Brian Jeffrey
Determined to Triumph
During the pre-match press conference, Kim articulated the Vietnamese team’s extensive preparation, stating, “We have thoroughly analyzed our competitors and crafted strategies to ensure our victory. Vietnam is committed to winning and bringing home the trophy.”
Kim acknowledged the formidable presence of the Thai team at Rajamangala Stadium, a place renowned for its historical triumphs. “Understanding every match brings pressure, our focus and execution of strategies will guide us towards victory and the championship,” he emphasized.
Nurturing Team Connections
Reflecting on his six-month tenure, Kim noted the strong familial ties he feels with the players. “Although my time has been brief, the pressure has been significant. However, through training sessions and our recent bonding experience in South Korea ahead of the ASEAN Cup, I’ve developed a deeper connection with the team,” he explained.
“We’ve shared meals, rest, and training, fostering a bond that I believe will lead us to triumph,” Kim added.
Concentration on the Final Challenge
He referred to the upcoming match against Thailand as the “Southeast Asian derby,” underscoring the importance of this final encounter. “I reminded the players that we’ve made it to the final, taken the first leg, and now our sole objective is to win the championship. Vietnam aims to leave Thailand as champions,” he stressed.
Despite the challenges of playing away from home, Kim highlighted the team’s resilience. “The players have adapted well to travel, weather variations, and different field conditions throughout the tournament. The humidity in Thailand won’t significantly deter us.
Although they are understandably tired after the journey from Viet Tri to Bangkok, these hurdles won’t diminish our drive to reach our goal,” Kim concluded.
The eagerly awaited second leg between Vietnam and Thailand will take place at 8:00 PM on January 5 at Rajamangala Stadium.
Dai Nam
