Coach Kim Sang Sik: 'I am excited to work with Hoang Hen and Van Hau for the first time'

On March 25th afternoon, Coach Kim Sang Sik attended the official press conference ahead of the friendly match against the Bangladesh national team.

At the start of the press conference, Coach Kim Sang Sik shared: "It has been a long time since I gathered with the whole team for the upcoming two matches. To prepare for tomorrow's match, we have trained very well. This is also the first time I have had the opportunity to work with Hoang Hen, Dinh Trong, Van Hau, and Ngoc Bao. I eagerly anticipate the contributions of the new players to the national team. The Vietnam national team is preparing excellently to bring joy to the fans."

Coach Kim Sang Sik evaluates Do Hoang Hen and Xuan Son

“Regarding Do Hoang Hen, after five years of dedicated performance for V-League clubs, he finally has the chance to join the Vietnam national team. I am very pleased about that. In recent days, after observing Hoang Hen's play, I see that the attacking front with his involvement provides the coaching staff with options and more opportunities in finishing and scoring.

With Xuan Son and Hoang Hen, I can utilize them in a two-forward attacking setup, or as a lone striker.

Xuan Son has a minor thigh muscle injury. Today we will conduct checks to determine the best methods so that Xuan Son can perform well tomorrow.”

Coach Kim Sang Sik evaluates Dinh Trong and Van Hau

“Both have had a period of good performance in the V-League, which earned them their call-up to the national team. Regarding Van Hau, for a long time, he faced difficult and challenging injuries. Currently, Van Hau and Dinh Trong have returned to the national team with good health and physical condition. I am eagerly looking forward to it.

With the participation of both, the defensive unit will become much more solid. Through healthy competition within the defense, I believe our national team will grow stronger.”

Coach Kim Sang Sik evaluates the Bangladesh national team and player Hamza Choudhury

“Regarding Bangladesh, I know they have recently appointed a new coach and built a new team that is much better than before. We are not dwelling much on past matches but focusing our thoughts on tomorrow's match to achieve the best result.

I know that player; we are in the process of analyzing video footage of the Bangladesh national team's playing style to find ways to counter them. We will devise a reasonable plan to secure victory tomorrow.”

Duy Manh shares the goal of the Vietnam national team against Bangladesh

"The coaching staff and the whole team have set the maximum goal. The team's goal is naturally victory, as it also relates to rankings. The whole team aims to perform well to deliver a good result and joy for the fans.

The Vietnam national team greatly respects the Bangladesh national team and will focus maximally to compete against them."

Duy Manh talks about the presence of Hoang Hen and the return of Van Hau and Dinh Trong

“Hen speaks Vietnamese very well and has also performed excellently in Vietnam. His presence in the national team is recognition from Coach Kim Sang Sik.

Regarding Trong and Hau, of course, Manh is very happy. After both joined the squad, we talked with each other. Manh is very happy and pleased that both have returned. After a long period of injury and dedicated recovery training, both have come back. I hope both will train well, play well, and contribute their best to Vietnamese football.”

Before this match, the Vietnam national team conducted four training sessions at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Center. However, it was only on March 24th that the Korean strategist had the full squad available.

In this training camp, the Vietnam national team's lineup has several notable changes, including the first appearance of naturalized midfielder Do Hoang Hen, along with the return of the duo Van Hau - Dinh Trong after many years of absence.

The match against the Bangladesh national team serves as a necessary warm-up step for the Vietnam national team before facing the Malaysia national team again in the final match of the third round of Asian Cup 2027 qualification. According to the coaching staff's professional assessment, the visiting Bangladesh team is considered a suitable 'test opponent' during the FIFA Days period, providing the Vietnam national team with further opportunities to test the lineup and maintain international match rhythm.

According to the plan, Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team will have one day to prepare before the official match at Hang Day Stadium on March 26th. This will be an important test for the team as they look ahead to hosting Malaysia in the final round of Asian Cup 2027, which will take place at Thien Truong Stadium (Ninh Binh) on March 31st.