Ahead of the crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying match against the Philippines on June 6, Vietnam’s midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai has highlighted the team’s focus on adapting to the tactics of their new head coach Kim Sang-sik. Speaking before the team’s training session on June 4, Quang Hai acknowledged the unpredictability posed by the Philippines due to their influx of new naturalized players but stressed that the primary objective is to understand and implement Coach Kim’s strategies.
“I think the whole team is trying to adapt to the coach’s tactical plans first,” Quang Hai said. “The Philippines has many new naturalized players and is somewhat of an unknown, but we will prepare in the best way possible.”
To help the players grasp his tactics, Coach Kim has divided the team into small groups to review game footage and understand his playing style. He has been proactive in conveying his tactical notes quickly and effectively, ensuring that the team can apply them during training sessions. Unlike his predecessor, Kim’s approach is to keep the training sessions diverse and flexible, using multiple tactical formations.
This is only the fourth training session under Coach Kim, but the overall impression is that he is striving to build a close rapport with the players to make them comfortable. “The coach wants to build trust so that the players can fully utilize their abilities during matches,” Quang Hai added.
Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc, on the other hand, has mentally prepared himself for any role, even if it means starting from the bench. “Playing is very important, but if I’m not selected, I will need to work harder. Players need to prove to the new coach that they deserve to play,” Hoang Duc stated.
One significant challenge the team faces is physical fitness, as most of the squad members recently played seven consecutive V.League 1-2023/2024 matches within 28 days in May. They have had only five days to prepare for the upcoming match against the Philippines.
Hoang Duc admitted that he and many of his teammates are a bit fatigued but are determined to overcome it. Despite this, both Hoang Duc and Quang Hai believe that this will not hinder Vietnam’s pursuit of victory over the Philippines, aiming to end a streak of seven consecutive losses.
“This upcoming match marks the debut of our new coach, and it has been a while since we last won,” Hoang Duc noted. “Moreover, we are playing at home, so the entire team is motivating each other to exert maximum effort to beat the Philippines.”
The match against the Philippines, scheduled for 7 PM on June 6 at My Dinh Stadium, is crucial for Vietnam as they seek to revive their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. With the new leadership of Coach Kim Sang-sik, the team is hopeful for a positive outcome and a fresh start under his guidance.
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