Head coach Kim Sang-sik of the Republic of Korea penned a two-year contract with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and made his debut appearance at a ceremony in Hanoi on May 6 during which the Korean expert vowed to embark on the winning philosophy during his term in Vietnam.

Under the signed contract lasting from May 2024 to March 2026, Kim will lead the national side and the Vietnamese U23 team.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Tran Anh Tu, vice president of the VFF, affirmed that with proven coaching credentials, Kim Sang-sik and members of his coaching staff are capable of developing an effective playing style, whilst promoting the collective strength of both the national team and the U23 squad.

VFF believes that the new head coach and his assistants will be able to achieve better results, successfully complete their assigned tasks, and meet the fans’ expectations.

For his part, the Korean coach expressed his joy and pride at taking charge of both the national team and the U23 side. 

“My philosophy is winning football,” he stressed, adding that his coaching style is based on determination towards victory.

“I think that if we are determined to challenge ourselves and to win in every match, we can create miracles. If all team members have a spirit of determination, I believe that we can achieve the best results,” he noted.

Kim also expressed his hope that with cultural similarities and the fruitful relations that exist between the RoK and Vietnam, he would receive huge support from Vietnamese fans and local media, that would motivate him to confidently take on his role andcontribute to the development of Vietnamese football.

The first task of the 48-year-old coach with the national team is to play the two final matches of the second qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Philippines on June 6 followed by a game against Iraq six days later.

He will also lead the U23 team to prepare for qualifiers for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, which will be held in September 2025, and SEA Games 33, which is scheduled to take place in Thailand in December 2025.

VOV