According to the Vietnam Professional Football (VPF), the 2024/2025 season is set to kick off at the end of August with the Super Cup match between Nam Dinh and Thanh Hoa FCs.

This timeline means that Coach Kim Sang Sik will not have the opportunity to observe his players in detail following the short training session during FIFA Days last June.

While the V-League's late start might seem to leave Coach Kim with little to do, the reality is quite different. The break between seasons is designed to give players time to rest and teams time to strengthen their squads. However, it also means that Coach Kim has limited opportunities to evaluate players in live matches.

Despite the lack of live matches, Coach Kim Sang Sik remains actively engaged in preparing for the Vietnam national team's next training camp in September. With limited exposure to Vietnamese football, he has dedicated this interim period to studying past matches, analyzing player performances, and refining tactical plans.

Coach Kim is meticulously reviewing videos of past Vietnam national team matches to gain a comprehensive understanding of his players' strengths and weaknesses. This detailed analysis will inform his tactical adjustments and help him identify potential new talent for the squad.

During this period, he might also consider adding new names to the national team roster based on his assessments rather than solely relying on recommendations from his predecessor, Park Hang Seo.

While video analysis is valuable, it cannot completely replace the insights gained from watching live performances. The true effectiveness of Coach Kim Sang Sik's preparations will become evident in September when the Vietnam national team regroups. His efforts are geared towards achieving success in the upcoming ASEAN Cup championship at the end of the year.

Duy Nguyen