In a recent interview with South Korean media, Coach Kim discussed Vietnam’s preparations for the tournament.

At the start, the 1976-born tactician explained why the team opted to train in a cold-weather country. "We primarily train indoors at the Kyungju sports hall, so the weather isn’t an issue," he said.

"Training here also ensures confidentiality. In Southeast Asia, it’s nearly impossible to keep training details away from fans and media. That’s why we chose this location, which offers high-quality training facilities," Kim elaborated.

The focus of this training camp is to improve physical fitness and evaluate player strength through three practice matches. These areas were identified as weaknesses during friendly games in September and October.

Speaking about Vietnam’s opponents in the 2024 AFF Cup, Kim remarked, "In Group B, we will face Indonesia and Laos, both coached by South Korean managers. Our immediate goal is to reach the semifinals, then the finals, and ultimately win the championship."

Coach Kim expressed his confidence in goalkeeper coach Lee Woon Jae, a veteran of four World Cups with the South Korean national team. "He has been a part of our training in Kyungju. Lee Woon Jae’s addition has been a tremendous boost for our goalkeepers," Kim noted.

Kim also shared that he has studied the success achieved under his predecessor, Coach Park Hang Seo, whose influence played a significant role in his decision to work in Vietnam.

"Coach Park Hang Seo is deeply respected and loved by Vietnamese people and players. I believe Coach Park understood and respected Vietnamese culture, which has inspired me greatly. He paved the way for me to come to Vietnam," Kim said.

Kim revealed that he is learning to sing the Vietnamese national anthem and promised to sing it with full determination and spirit during the AFF Cup final. He added that the team would celebrate exuberantly, even dancing, if they claim the championship.

Dai Nam