Coach Kim Sang Sik is grappling with the arduous schedule of the V-League 2023/2024, as many Vietnamese national team players are struggling with injuries and fatigue. Kim Sang Sik is currently in the process of selecting players for the Vietnam national team, preparing for two crucial matches in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June 2024. Since signing with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the South Korean coach has been diligently scouting players across various V-League matches.
While the frequent matches—held every three to four days—provide ample opportunities for Coach Kim to assess players, this dense schedule also presents significant challenges. The packed calendar is taking a toll on players’ physical endurance, making it difficult for them to maintain peak performance. Additionally, many players are showing signs of overuse, leading to an increased risk of injuries.
In the recent Round 19 of the V-League 2023/2024, several national team players, including Thanh Chung and Tuan Hai, had to leave the field on stretchers. Van Toan also sustained an injury, while goalkeeper Dinh Trieu experienced temporary memory loss and severe cramps during the match between Binh Dinh and Hai Phong.
During his contract signing with the VFF, Coach Kim Sang Sik stated that he would select players based on their on-field performance, regardless of their past national team status. However, the current injury situation complicates his selection process.
From now until the national team assembles in early June, players will have to endure three matches in just ten days. This intense schedule makes it challenging for players to reach optimal fitness levels before joining the national team, posing a significant dilemma for Coach Kim Sang Sik ahead of the June qualifiers.
The demanding V-League schedule and resultant player fatigue and injuries are testing the resilience and adaptability of both the players and Coach Kim. The upcoming World Cup qualifiers will require not only strategic acumen but also careful management of player health to ensure the team performs at its best on the international stage.
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