Coach Kim Sang Sik openly discusses using U23 players against Nepal

13/10/2025 17:53:00 PlaymakerHub

Coach Kim Sang Sik shares his strategy for deploying young players from Vietnam's national team in the upcoming rematch with Nepal.

On the afternoon of October 13, Coach Kim Sang Sik attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg between Vietnam and Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Despite a 3-1 victory in the first leg, the "Golden Dragons" still showed several issues. Additionally, the opportunity for young players remains a key focus.

Although he called up 8 players from the Vietnam U23 squad, Coach Kim Sang Sik did not start any of them in the first leg. Only Thanh Nhàn and Đình Bắc were later used but failed to make a significant impact. Regarding this, Coach Kim Sang Sik stated:

HLV Kim Sang Sik nói thẳng việc dùng cầu thủ U23 ở trận gặp Nepal-721511 — Coach Kim Sang Sik reveals the possibility of giving U23 players a chance

"My coaching staff and I prioritized safety, so we have not used many U23 players yet. For the next match, I cannot disclose details, but we are considering using some U23 players. They have the capability to compete and can perform well in tomorrow’s training session.

We won 3-1 against Nepal in the previous match, so tomorrow the whole team aims for another victory. The team will strive to play confidently. I expect the opponent to defend deeply, so I have instructed our attackers to move well, coordinate smoothly, and be more precise in finishing. I hope the players deliver a committed performance."

HLV Kim Sang Sik nói thẳng việc dùng cầu thủ U23 ở trận gặp Nepal 721512 — Vietnam’s national team still has quality players capable of replacing Bùi Tiến Dũng

It is highly likely that Vietnam’s national team will be without their key center-back Bùi Tiến Dũng due to injury. However, Coach Kim Sang Sik is confident that other players can fill the gap left by him:

"He played the first half in the match against Nepal but then suffered a back injury and has not participated in recent training sessions. It is unlikely he will play tomorrow. However, other players are capable of fulfilling the role and ensuring the tactical plan set by the coaching staff.

To score more goals tomorrow, we have prepared thoroughly. Finishing needs to be calm and accurate. I believe the players have the ability to do this. Although Tiến Dũng may not play tomorrow, we are arranging tactics to maintain a tight defense. Scoring many goals is important, but more importantly, we must not concede any goals in tomorrow’s match."