Vietnam head coach sets sights on 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship in Indonesia

Coach Kim Sang-sik of the U23 Vietnam discussed preparations and laid out targets for the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship in Indonesia at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Coach Kim Sang-sik attends a press conference before the group stage of the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship in Indonesia on July 15, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Doan Huynh

He stated that his players, who have been meticulously trained in both physical fitness and tactical skills, will approach every match with the intensity of a final, while acknowledging the significant pressure that comes with Vietnam's two previous championship titles.

The South Korean coach stressed that every match is as important as the final, so the team must fight with steely determination.

When questioned about the tournament's strongest contenders, Kim said that Thailand is a technically skilled collective, while Indonesia possesses superior physical strength and speed. These are two teams capable of competing for the championship, he acknowledged.

Kim emphasized that the Vietnamese team has prepared thoroughly for every match, adding that respecting all opponents is the best way to improve and accumulate more international competition experience.

This marks Kim's first time leading the team in an official tournament, and he expressed his satisfaction with the young players' spirit and response to training.

According to the Vietnam Football Federation, the team began their first training session in Jakarta on the evening of July 14, immediately after settling into their accommodation. To help players adapt to the field conditions and climate, Kim primarily focused on light exercises and muscle stretching during this session. He also reinforced fundamental tactical concepts, including formation movement, attacking organization, and defensive structure, establishing a foundation for subsequent intensive preparations.

U23 Vietnam will kick off their campaign against Laos at 5 p.m. on July 19, followed by a match against Cambodia on July 22.

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