Lee joined both the senior national team and the U23 squad in March 2025. Serving as Kim Sang Sik’s trusted right-hand man, he played a key role in helping Vietnam qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. At the U23 level, he also contributed significantly to a string of achievements, including the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship title, the SEA Games 33 gold medal and a third-place finish at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup.

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Assistant coach Lee Jung Soo has played a key role in the success of the Vietnam national team and the U23 side. Photo: Hai Hoang

The Vietnam Football Federation and head coach Kim Sang Sik held Lee in high regard, particularly for his expertise in set-piece situations. Under his guidance, Vietnam improved both defensively and offensively in these scenarios, turning them into a strategic strength.

Statistics show that set pieces accounted for five of Vietnam’s 17 goals (29.4 percent) across eight matches at senior level, and seven of 31 goals (22.5 percent) in 17 matches for the U23 team.

“We studied teams that are strong in set pieces. Coach Lee focused heavily on reinforcing defensive organisation. He understands the importance of scoring, but places equal emphasis on preventing goals, especially from set pieces,” Kim Sang Sik said.

Lee Jung Soo was also familiar with Vietnamese football, having previously worked as an assistant coach at Ho Chi Minh City FC. During his playing career, he was one of South Korea’s top central defenders, earning 54 caps for the national team and starting at the 2010 World Cup. He made a notable impact in the group stage, opening the scoring in a 2-0 win over Greece and later equalising in a 2-2 draw against Nigeria.

After leaving Vietnam, Lee is set to begin a new chapter in Thailand, where he will join a club competing in the Thai League.

Dai Nam