Influx of fresh blood for Malaysia keeps Vietnam coach on guard

The Star

7 hours ago

Coach Kim Sang-sik (right)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Vietnam football squad know the significance of their next battle against a new-look Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier and they are not leaving anything to chance.
Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik is aware of the five new mixed-heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad as they prepare for the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here on Tuesday (June 10).
Sang-sik has called on his side to stay united and focused. He also acknowledged the hurdles in their path but insisted that with belief and hard work, they can make a difference.
"This is the most important and difficult game in our quest to advance to the Asian Cup," said the South Korean during a pre-match press conference at the National Stadium on Monday (June 9).
"We want to play as a unit and aim for points."
Sang-sik admits that the Golden Dragons' preparations have been complicated by the influx of fresh blood for Malaysia.
"It makes it difficult for us. We do not have much information on some of these players, but we'll assess our squad and prepare based on our plan," he said.
"Football is always difficult, whether we have the information or not. The results depend on us."
Despite the pressure of the occasion and the hostile atmosphere awaiting them in Bukit Jalil, Sang-sik was unfazed.
"I'm a positive person, so pressure is not what I think about. The aim is the effort on the field and yes, to continue our good run against Malaysia."
Sang-sik and some of his players had their confidence boosted when they featured for the Asean All-Stars in the 1-0 win over Premier League giants Manchester United in a recent friendly.
Sang-sik, who was coach of the Asean All-Stars, said: "We were lucky to win because United struggled with the travelling and weather. But I'm satisfied. It was a great chance to show Southeast Asian players can move abroad and develop globally."