nder the guidance of new head coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnam national football team has established a new leadership structure, comprising one captain and two vice-captains. Midfielder Do Hung Dung has been appointed as the team captain, while center-back Bui Hoang Viet Anh and forward Nguyen Tien Linh will serve as vice-captains.
This leadership team has been carefully selected and is deemed suitable by Coach Kim Sang-sik. Do Hung Dung, who took over the captaincy from Que Ngoc Hai in early 2022, is recognized for his exemplary conduct, strong sense of responsibility, motivational skills, and influential presence in the dressing room.
Similarly, Bui Hoang Viet Anh is a rising star in the defense and currently serves as the captain of Hanoi Police FC in the V.League. Nguyen Tien Linh, who has occasionally captained Binh Duong FC, completes the leadership trio. All three players were trusted and voted by their teammates to lead the team.
The previous tenure of Coach Park Hang-seo saw Do Hung Dung taking on the captain’s role. However, under Coach Philippe Troussier, the captaincy was frequently rotated among various players. This unusual practice saw multiple players like Do Hung Dung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Nguyen Quang Hai, and Que Ngoc Hai wearing the captain’s armband within short periods.
During the 2023 Asian Cup, for instance, Hùng Dũng captained the team against Japan, while Quang Hải led the team in the match against Indonesia, illustrating the inconsistency in leadership under Coach Troussier. This frequent change, although justified by tactical decisions, led to challenges within the team.
Coach Kim Sang-sik aims to restore stability by establishing a consistent leadership framework. This approach ensures clarity in roles, which is expected to benefit the team’s overall performance and morale.
The Vietnam national team is currently in training, preparing for two crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against the Philippines on June 6 and Iraq on June 12. The Philippines team is scheduled to arrive in Vietnam today, June 3.
The leadership changes are part of Coach Kim Sang-sik’s broader strategy to bring a fresh perspective and stability to the team. As the team gears up for the upcoming matches, the new captaincy structure is hoped to foster a unified and motivated squad ready to achieve better results in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
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