Brian Jeffrey
In previous tournaments, teams were limited to registering only 23 players for the AFF Cup, previously known as the ASEAN Cup. However, coaches traditionally have called up a larger pool of players during the preparation phase to ensure the selection of the best team for Vietnam.
Former coach Park Hang Seo, known for his cautious approach, typically summoned 35-40 players during training camps before finalizing his squad. Similarly, his successor, Philippe Troussier, who oversaw the team for almost a year, assessed approximately 60 players during various training sessions before narrowing down the roster in compliance with tournament guidelines.
Prior to the AFF Cup 2024, Coach Kim Sang Sik has scheduled two training periods during FIFA Days and arranged two friendly matches against India and Lebanon. These opportunities are crucial for fine-tuning the team for the tournament.
Due to limited time and fewer chances to attend live V-League matches, Coach Kim Sang Sik is expected to invite a larger group of players for comprehensive evaluation and selection.
Furthermore, the AFF Cup’s timeline clashes with other club-level competitions in Asia and the region. Hence, the coach must have contingency plans and additional players in place to avoid any shortage in the squad.
Coach Kim Sang Sik is likely to divide the player call-ups into two significant training sessions in September and October, each involving approximately 35-40 players. This strategy aims to ensure that no deserving or motivated player is overlooked for the national team.
The meticulous selection process under Coach Kim Sang Sik’s guidance is geared towards assembling a strong and capable squad with the goal of securing the AFF Cup 2024 championship.
