Challenges Await Coach Kim Sang-sik in Vietnam After Park Hang-seo’s Legacy

Coach Kim Sang-sik’s arrival in Vietnam to lead the national football team is laden with high expectations and challenges, as highlighted by the Korean press. Following his appointment, Kim is poised to take over a role that his compatriot, Park Hang-seo, previously elevated to new heights.

Taking the reins after a single club management stint at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and an extended period as an assistant, Kim’s new role represents a significant step up. According to Sports Chosun, not only will Kim face the usual challenges of adapting to a new professional environment, but he will also contend with the looming legacy of Coach Park Hang-seo, a figure revered in Vietnamese football.

The departure of Philippe Troussier after disappointing losses at the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers has left the Vietnamese fans eager and anxious about the future. The expectations for Kim are to not only stabilize the team but also to infuse a winning spirit akin to that during Coach Park’s era, which was marked by unprecedented successes including a runner-up finish at the U23 Asian Cup 2018, victory in the AFF Cup 2018, and semifinal appearances at both the Asiad 2018 and SEA Games.

Coach Kim Sang-sik (right) receives flowers sent by Coach Park Hang-seo at the ceremony announcing the new head coach for the Vietnam national and U23 teams, yesterday afternoon, May 6th. Photo by Dang Long.

In response to these pressures, Coach Kim expressed during his introductory press conference his intent to build a team ethos where “no player is bigger than the team.” Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, he emphasized loyalty and collective effort, aiming to forge a strong and cohesive unit.

During the press event, Kim also faced inevitable comparisons to Coach Park. He acknowledged these comparisons with respect, underscoring his ambition to match and hopefully exceed the successes achieved by his predecessor. “It’s a long and challenging road,” Kim remarked. “The pressure to match such successful results is there, but if I can communicate effectively with the players and impart my philosophy, we can approach the path that Coach Park paved.”

Kim also highlighted the importance of team spirit and the psychological aspect of the game, stressing the need to build confidence through victories. “Players may feel defeated by poor results,” he stated. “But I am prepared to help them regain confidence through winning.”

Korean media’s focus on Coach Kim’s potential impact reflects a broader interest in the increasing influence of Korean coaches in Southeast Asia. His tenure in Vietnam is seen as a test of his ability to adapt and succeed in a highly expectant environment.

As Coach Kim embarks on this journey, he faces not only the tactical and strategic challenges of football management but also the immense task of living up to a legacy that has deeply influenced Vietnamese football. His success will depend on his ability to foster a resilient team spirit and achieve results that resonate with the passionate Vietnamese football fans.

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