South Korean media: Coach Kim Sang Sik activates the 'throne protection plan' with the Vietnam national team

According to South Korean reports, Coach Kim Sang Sik has formally kicked off the effort to retain the ASEAN Cup 2026 title alongside the Vietnam team through numerous changes in squad composition and strategic approach.

In an article published on June 24, Aju News reported that the Vietnam national team has entered a critical preparation phase for their goal of conquering the ASEAN Cup 2026. Notably, the coaching staff now includes former South Korean international Kim Do Heon, who earned 62 caps for his country, participated in the 2004 Athens Olympics, and played in the 2006 World Cup.

According to this source, Coach Kim Sang Sik is building the squad by blending experience with youth, while also maximizing the use of naturalized players currently active in the V-League to increase squad depth.

The Vietnam national team assembled in Hanoi on June 23 before departing for a training camp in South Korea from July 2 to 14. During this period, the team will play three friendly matches to refine tactics and assess player form ahead of the ASEAN Cup 2026.

The South Korean newspaper specifically highlighted Coach Kim Sang Sik's strategy to improve efficiency from set pieces. According to Aju News, this is one of the areas the South Korean coach has focused on most during this training camp.

Previously, Nguyen Quang Hai and Hoang Duc were primarily responsible for free kicks for the Vietnam national team. However, with the emergence of Phan Tuan Tai and Nguyen Dinh Bac, the team now has more options for dead-ball situations.

Another notable point is the increase in physical stature within the current squad. South Korean media highlighted young center-back Dinh Quang Kiet, standing at 1.95 meters, as a standout figure who could provide a major advantage in aerial duels. Additionally, players with strong physiques such as Xuan Son, Viet Anh, Doan Van Hau, Thanh Chung, and Do Duy Manh are expected to enhance the team's aerial contest strength.

According to Aju News's analysis, Coach Kim Sang Sik's set-piece strategy is not limited to headed goals. Using tall players also helps create space for second-line finishes, opening up more attacking options from dead-ball scenarios.

The South Korean newspaper noted that as rivals in the ASEAN Cup increasingly improve their defensive capabilities, set-piece plays from corners and free kicks could become a "strategic weapon" to help the Vietnam national team make a difference in their journey to defend the Southeast Asian throne.