Coach Kim Sang Sik returns to South Korea after father's death: Personal grief and responsibility to Vietnam national team

On September 12, 2026, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) announced that head coach Kim Sang Sik had returned to South Korea to handle the funeral of his father. The news worried Vietnamese football fans, as the national team is in the final stages of preparation for the ASEAN Cup 2026, which kicks off on September 24. According to VFF, the federation president sent deep condolences and encouraged Coach Kim Sang Sik to return home. The official statement read: "We hope Coach Kim Sang Sik and his family can soon overcome this immense loss." He is expected to stay in South Korea for about a week to complete the funeral before returning to Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang Sik has led the Vietnam national team since May 2026. He has built a disciplined, scientific style of play and created opportunities for many young players. Under him, the U23 and senior national teams have achieved positive results. His temporary absence at this sensitive time is a significant challenge. The ASEAN Cup 2026 brings together 12 teams divided into two groups. Vietnam is in Group A with Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. The goal for Coach Kim Sang Sik's team is to advance from the group stage to the semi-finals. Currently, the team is in an intensive training camp, focusing on tactics, fitness, and set pieces. Historically, Vietnam has won the ASEAN Cup twice, in 2026 and 2026. That achievement is both a pride and a pressure for the current generation. Fans expect Coach Kim Sang Sik to help the team restore its glory. The head coach's one-week absence could affect video analysis sessions and individual tactical adjustments. However, the experienced coaching staff will maintain the training program. Assistants will temporarily assign tasks to ensure players do not face professional disruption. Psychologically, the loss of his father affects Coach Kim Sang Sik's spirit, but the mettle of a professional coach will help him stabilize soon. Key players such as Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Tien Linh, Do Hung Dung, and Nguyen Hoang Duc need to show leadership and keep the whole team focused. VFF has taken timely and humane action by having its president directly encourage the coach. This strengthens his trust in the working environment in Vietnam. Public opinion has also been sympathetic, with thousands of fans sending condolences. Looking back at his journey, Coach Kim Sang Sik is one of the most successful foreign coaches. He brought a modern style of play and a never-give-up spirit. The assistants will continue to maintain training volume, focusing on improving defense, attack, and set pieces. The coaching staff is closely monitoring opponents in Group A. Thailand is the top candidate, while the Philippines and Pakistan each have their own strengths. The head coach's absence is also an opportunity for assistants to prove their ability and for players to develop self-discipline. In modern football, a team operating smoothly without its leader is a sign of professionalism. However, the presence of the head coach is always important. He is the one who inspires and makes bold decisions. A one-week absence leaves the team without direct command, but the training program has been detailed. Assistants will implement it as planned and report regularly via online meetings. Player psychology also needs attention. Performance pressure can cause stress. The head coach's absence creates a mental gap. Therefore, the team's leadership group must promote its role. Coach Kim Sang Sik will communicate regularly to encourage them. Modern technology allows him to monitor each training session and give instructions remotely. Overall, the incident is unfortunate but not unexpected. What matters is how the team and the federation respond. With timely support from VFF, the professionalism of the coaching staff, and team unity, the Vietnam national team can overcome this difficult period. When Coach Kim Sang Sik returns, he will have about ten days before the opening match. This is enough time to convey final tactics, stabilize psychology, and prepare for the confrontation. Vietnam's first group-stage match takes place on September 24. That will mark the return of the South Korean coach to the touchline. Despite facing the pain of losing his father, Coach Kim Sang Sik has always been dedicated to Vietnamese football. He once shared that Vietnam is his second home. This return is both a responsibility to his family and a journey back to the team. That affection will be the driving force for him and his players to write new pages in Vietnamese football history. In football, nothing is impossible. A one-week absence can be a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity for the Vietnam national team to prove its mettle and squad depth. With a talented and experienced squad, and the guidance of a dedicated coach, the Vietnam national team will enter the ASEAN Cup 2026 with the highest determination. Let us look forward to and support Coach Kim Sang Sik's team on the upcoming journey.