In his initial training sessions, Coach Kim Sang Sik opted for a safe strategy, relying on veteran players for the matches against the Philippines and Iraq. This decision seemed reasonable, especially considering the recent failures of Coach Troussier's rejuvenation efforts. However, the outcomes may prompt a reevaluation.

While the Vietnamese team met its objectives - winning against the Philippines and attempting to secure points against Iraq - the performances of some veterans were disappointing.

Quang Hai, once Vietnam's top midfielder, struggled with consistency despite starting both matches. Similarly, veterans like Dang Van Lam, Hung Dung, and Bui Tien Dung did not live up to their reputations or experience.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) likely does not demand that Coach Kim Sang Sik rejuvenate the team, especially after witnessing Coach Troussier's setbacks. However, renewal remains essential. Kim Sang Sik cannot rely solely on veterans for the ASEAN Cup, Asian Cup qualifiers, and other upcoming campaigns. Instead, he must expand and strengthen the squad to foster fierce competition.

This renewal is crucial because the AFF Cup's schedule will almost overlap with the Southeast Asian or Asian Club Championships, potentially causing player shortages and requiring shared personnel.

Additionally, the V-League's next season will have continuous play, except for FIFA Days, leaving minimal breaks for the national team and U23 Vietnam to regroup. Thus, Coach Kim Sang Sik will need a larger pool of players.

This challenge, while not easy, is manageable if Coach Kim Sang Sik remains open to giving opportunities to other V-League players instead of relying on familiar faces. Expanding the squad and introducing fresh talent can help ensure the team remains competitive across various tournaments.

Duy Nguyen