Kim Tae Min is highly likely to replace Lee Jung Soo as the technical assistant for the Vietnam national team.
After parting ways with his trusted assistant Lee Jung Soo, coach Kim Sang Sik faces a crucial staffing challenge within the Vietnam national team's coaching staff. Lee's departure occurred about a week ago, when this assistant decided to pursue a new challenge as head coach of Kanchanaburi FC in the Thai League. This marks a significant turning point in his career, but also leaves a considerable gap in the team.
Lee Jung Soo not only handled technical support duties, but also contributed substantially to tactical development, particularly in set-piece situations like corner kicks. Additionally, he participated in evaluating player performance, devising tactical plans for each opponent, and directly supporting the head coach during training sessions and competitions. Therefore, his absence necessitates a swift search for a suitable replacement by the coaching staff.
As the Vietnam national team intensifies its monitoring and selection of new talents from the V.League, the criteria for the successor assistant have become clearer. The top priority is individuals with a deep understanding of Vietnamese football's environment, capable of quickly integrating into the current operational system, and effectively supporting coach Kim Sang Sik in both technical and organizational tasks.
One name frequently mentioned is Kim Tae Min. This strategist is familiar with Vietnamese football, having worked at several major clubs. He began his journey in the V.League collaborating with Chung Hae Seong at Ho Chi Minh City FC, before subsequently working with teams like Hoang Anh Gia Lai and Hanoi FC.
Kim Tae Min's impact was evident during his tenure at HAGL in the 2021 season, when the Mountain Town club performed brilliantly and led the standings before the league was interrupted due to Covid-19. Furthermore, he also contributed to Hanoi FC's success in winning the V.League 2022 championship, demonstrating high-level tactical support and team organization capabilities.
Beyond club level, Kim Tae Min also has national team experience, having served as an assistant to Park Hang Seo. After the 2020 AFF Cup, he continued to be trusted by the Korean Football Association, appointed as an assistant for the Korean U20 team. With a rich foundation of experience and a deep understanding of Vietnamese football, Kim Tae Min is emerging as a strong candidate to become the new "right-hand man" for coach Kim Sang Sik in the near future.
After leaving the Vietnam national team, the Korean coach immediately took charge of Sergio Aguero.