All of coach Kim Sang Sik's plans for both the national team and U23 Vietnam have been unexpectedly upended. Now, the South Korean strategist must work under intense pressure to keep both campaigns on schedule.

Plans derailed

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Coach Kim Sang Sik faces numerous challenges this October.

After a heavy defeat against Malaysia in the first leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Vietnam's chances of reaching the finals became extremely slim.

Facing the possibility of failing to achieve their most critical goal, coach Kim Sang Sik had promptly shifted focus toward U23 Vietnam.

His aim was clear: to secure the gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games and prepare for a successful campaign at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. Effectively "letting go" of the national team for the rest of the qualification period seemed reasonable. It would reduce pressure while giving him time to shape the next generation of players.

However, this plan was suddenly thrown into disarray after FIFA penalized Malaysia for fielding seven naturalized players without proper documentation. If the result of Vietnam’s 0-4 loss to Malaysia is overturned, it could give Kim Sang Sik’s team a renewed opportunity to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.

This unexpected “gift” has left Kim Sang Sik in a dilemma, as he now must commit fully to both the senior and U23 squads, instead of having the national team on the back burner.

A challenging October

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With responsibility over both the U23 and senior national teams, Kim Sang Sik must ensure both projects stay on track.

This twist of fate has turned the upcoming FIFA Days in October into a high-pressure and chaotic month for coach Kim Sang Sik. To manage both teams simultaneously, the Korean coach will have to apply an overlapping squad strategy - a demanding task that will require intense focus and effort.

Specifically, to prepare for the match against Nepal, the senior national team may be reinforced with a number of standout U23 players. This serves both as a developmental opportunity and a chance to revitalize the lineup.

At the same time, the U23 squad will face changes of its own. With key players promoted to the senior team, Kim Sang Sik will have to scout and nurture new talent to fill the gaps.

This dual responsibility places the coach in a strenuous position, as he must mentor newcomers still adjusting to the national team while simultaneously reshaping the U23 lineup from scratch.

The workload is enormous, and the expectation to succeed on both fronts weighs heavily on the South Korean manager. As a result, the upcoming October window becomes a true test of his leadership, adaptability, and strategic capabilities.

Duy Nguyen