Today's hot Vietnamese football news for July 23: Coach Kim Sang Sik holds a press conference; Hanoi FC bids farewell to a key player.

Hot Vietnam football news on 23/7: Kim Sang Sik presser; Hanoi FC says goodbye to a crucial player.

Coach Kim Sang Sik holds a press conference before the match against Timor Leste.

Today, Coach Kim Sang Sik and captain Quang Hai will attend the pre-match press conference for the Vietnam vs. Timor Leste fixture in Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

During the afternoon training session on July 22 in Chonburi, Thailand, Coach Kim Sang Sik and his staff continued to review and refine tactical plans. The session emphasized improving defensive organization, attacking execution, and inter-line connectivity to ensure the team operates efficiently before the tournament begins.

Speaking before practice, defender Pham Xuan Manh stated that the team has undergone thorough preparation through a domestic training camp, a training trip to South Korea, and a friendly match against Myanmar.

Xuan Manh also noted that the title defense will be much more challenging as regional rivals have invested and progressed significantly.

With unity, confidence, and high determination, Vietnam aims to secure a positive result against Timor Leste, building momentum for the ASEAN Cup 2026 championship journey.

Hanoi FC parts ways with a key player.

Hanoi FC has officially announced the departure of midfielder Dau Van Toan after many years with the club.

Joining Hanoi in 2009, Dau Van Toan gradually earned his place in the first team through his diligent, versatile style and enduring competitive spirit.

The 1997-born midfielder can handle multiple midfield roles and even drop back to play center-back. During his time with Hanoi FC, he contributed to numerous titles, including V-League championships, the National Cup, and the Super Cup.

Hanoi FC thanked Dau Van Toan for his contributions throughout their partnership and wished him success at his new club. For the 28-year-old player, leaving his hometown team marks a career turning point after more than 15 years wearing the purple shirt.

Dau Van Toan's departure is part of Hanoi FC's squad restructuring plan ahead of the new season.

Hanoi FC continues to rejuvenate its squad and add new personnel, while the 1997-born midfielder will seek more regular playing time to advance his career.

Timor Leste coach admits being inferior to the Vietnam team.

Head coach Jose Pedro of Timor Leste acknowledged that his team is the underdog ahead of their clash with defending champions Vietnam in the Group A opener of the ASEAN Cup 2026, scheduled for July 24 at Chonburi Stadium (Thailand).

The Portuguese coach assessed that the gap between the two sides lies not only in player quality but also in youth training systems, facilities, and football development foundations. According to him, Vietnam outperforms Timor Leste in every aspect and holds a much higher FIFA ranking.

Coach Jose Pedro affirmed that Timor Leste will not enter the match with a defeatist mindset. He views the matchup against the Southeast Asian champions as a valuable opportunity for young players to gain experience, face a top regional opponent, and showcase their highest fighting spirit.

Coach Jose Pedro noted that Timor Leste faced many difficulties in preparation because the national league is still ongoing, leaving the team with limited time to assemble the squad.

Playing on a neutral ground instead of home soil is also a major disadvantage for the team in their encounter with Vietnam.

HAGL parts ways with 6 players.

HAGL FC has bid farewell to six players after achieving their survival target last season. Those leaving the Mountain Town club include four foreign players: Ryan Ha, Jairo Rodrigues, Junior Batista, Khevin Fraga, Marciel, and midfielder Huynh Tuan Vu.

This squad cleansing move indicates that HAGL is aiming to rebuild the roster to improve competitiveness in the 2026/27 V-League. After a season struggling in the relegation battle, the team of owner Doan Nguyen Duc is expected to undergo many changes in both personnel and expertise to aim for greater stability in the new season.

HAGL is predicted to remain active in the transfer market to add suitable players. The squad restructuring process is seen as a necessary step to help the club regain its status and build a foundation for long-term goals in the coming seasons.