Chonburi, 23 July 2026 – Despite facing Timor-Leste in their opening match of the ASEAN Cup 2026, Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik has warned that his team will not take their opponents lightly as the defending champions begin their title defense.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Chonburi, Thailand, on July 23, the South Korean coach expressed his excitement ahead of the tournament while emphasizing that the entire squad is fully prepared for the challenge ahead. “We are very happy to be participating in this tournament,” Kim said. “The coaching staff and players have worked hard to prepare not only for the opening match but for every game in the competition. We will approach each match with confidence, stay focused on our preparations, and do everything possible to achieve victory.”
When asked about the pressure of defending the ASEAN Cup title, Kim acknowledged that expectations are naturally higher after Vietnam’s triumph in the previous edition. However, he believes that the success has also strengthened his players’ confidence. “It’s true that we are the defending champions, so there is certainly pressure. This will not be an easy tournament, but alongside that pressure comes confidence. The players understand the value and responsibility of wearing the crown, and they are determined to fight to become champions once again. We will prepare thoroughly for every match and focus on delivering our best performances throughout the tournament.”
Turning his attention to Timor-Leste, Kim revealed that his coaching staff have carried out extensive analysis of Vietnam’s first opponents and have developed a detailed tactical plan for the match. “We have studied Timor-Leste very carefully,” he explained. “Our squad includes several young players who will bring energy and enthusiasm, and we have prepared tactical solutions to deal with our opponents. We have identified areas where they are vulnerable and will look to exploit those weaknesses to secure a positive result and begin the tournament on the right foot.”
Reflecting on his own coaching career, Kim spoke about the lessons learned from winning three major titles, stressing that teamwork and determination have always been the foundation of success. “Every championship I have won has been extremely difficult. It was the same in the previous ASEAN Championship, where every match presented a tough challenge. We learned that winning requires the entire team to fight together and give everything on the pitch. I hope the players can take control of matches, enjoy playing football, and perform with confidence. If we do that, I believe good results will follow. Our objective is to fight for all three points in every game.”
Although Vietnam are widely regarded as one of the favorites for the title, Kim refused to look too far ahead, insisting that his team will adopt a match-by-match approach. “At this stage, I don’t think it’s necessary to talk too much about long-term goals,” he said. “The most important thing is to give our maximum effort in every match. If we perform well consistently, we will naturally move closer to achieving our objectives. Of course, we want to defend our title, but our immediate focus is entirely on the next game.”
Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc echoed his coach’s confidence while admitting that opening matches are often the most challenging. “The first match of any tournament is never easy,” he said. “However, the whole team has prepared very well and we’re excited to begin the competition. We want to play with confidence, create plenty of scoring opportunities, score goals, and deliver an entertaining performance while securing all three points.”
Hoang Duc also highlighted the demanding preparations under Kim Sang-sik, revealing that the team’s recent training camp in South Korea played an important role in building tactical cohesion. “The training camp in South Korea was very intense, with difficult weather conditions and demanding tactical sessions. We also have several players experiencing this tournament for the first time, along with newly naturalized players, so competition for places has been extremely fierce. The coaching staff has worked hard to help the new players integrate quickly so that everyone can play together as one united team. We believe those preparations have put us in the best possible position heading into the tournament.”
Vietnam will open their ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign against Timor-Leste on July 24, aiming to begin their quest for a successful title defense with a convincing performance and three valuable points.
VSN/RPT
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