Kim Sang Sik Returns to South Korea After Father's Death: Preparation Gap and Vietnam's 2026 ASEAN Cup Challenge

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has confirmed that national team head coach Kim Sang Sik has returned to South Korea to attend to his father's funeral. The news comes as Vietnam is in the final stage of preparation for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, scheduled from September 24 to October 5. Kim's absence, expected to last about a week, raises questions about continuity in training and the coaching staff's ability to adapt during the crucial run-in. According to VFF, Kim's father passed away at the age of 84 after a long illness. The VFF president personally sent condolences and encouraged Kim to return home. In an official statement, VFF said: "We hope coach Kim Sang Sik and his family can find the strength to get through this immense loss." The federation's handling shows respect for the coach's private life and reflects a stable working relationship between the two sides. Kim Sang Sik was appointed to lead Vietnam in May 2026. Since then, he has focused heavily on his work, guiding the U23 and senior national teams to strong results in regional and continental competitions. Under him, Vietnam's playing style has adjusted structurally, particularly in transition and block defending. While comparisons to the golden era under Park Hang Seo are premature, the signs of progress are real and recognized by experts. However, football is not just numbers on a results sheet. Data does not lie, but those who present it can. The head coach's absence during the final preparation phase always carries risk. Southeast Asian teams often have short training camps, and every week is carefully planned. For Vietnam, time before the opening match is limited. If tactical sessions, especially set pieces and group coordination drills, are disrupted, effectiveness may suffer. Based on my experience covering matches at several ASEAN Cups, successful teams maintain stable training rhythms in the pre-tournament period. The presence of the head coach matters not only tactically but also psychologically. When the leader is absent, even for a few days, the coaching staff must work harder to fill the gap. VFF has not announced a specific delegation plan, but assistants are likely to maintain the training program while Kim is in South Korea. Vietnam is in Group A with Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. This is a balanced group: Thailand is the main rival for top spot, while the Philippines and Pakistan are considered weaker. Vietnam's minimum target is to advance from the group. Public pressure is currently low because the news of Kim's bereavement has drawn widespread sympathy from fans. If the team underperforms, criticism could emerge, but under current circumstances, that is less likely than usual. One notable point is the age of Kim's father, 84, and his prolonged illness. This may have allowed Kim some psychological preparation. While the pain of losing a parent cannot be measured, knowing a loved one's health condition in advance can reduce the shock compared to a sudden event. Upon returning, Kim may need time to stabilize emotionally, but given his experience in professional football, his adaptability is rated highly. From a management perspective, allowing the head coach to return home during a key period is a humane decision, but it carries risks. If the leave extends beyond a week, training plans could be disrupted. However, current information suggests Kim will return after about a week. With the opening match on September 24, he will have about 10 days to work directly with the team before the first game. That is enough to finalize key plays, but not much for experimentation. In football, timing and context can change the value of a decision. A contract looks good on paper, but real value lies in the closed room. Here, real value lies in how the coaching staff maintains training discipline and team spirit. Players, especially those who have worked with Kim since the U23 level, understand his philosophy. They can self-adjust and support each other. This is a chance to show the character of a collective. Tactically, Kim's absence could affect how Vietnam approaches the match against Thailand. If he returns with unstable emotions, in-game substitutions or tactical adjustments could be affected. However, this scenario has little basis. Professional coaches can usually separate personal emotions from work to a degree. Moreover, throwing oneself into work is sometimes a way to cope with loss. In the context of the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Vietnam is not the top favorite. Thailand is rated higher due to a more balanced squad and international experience. Indonesia is also showing progress. Vietnam is in the chasing group, and any off-field disruption could affect the situation. Therefore, internal stability in the coming weeks is the top priority. From the perspective of a sports journalist, I believe this story should not be viewed as a tragedy affecting performance. It is part of life. The way VFF handled it shows they understand that. The important thing is that after returning, Kim receives maximum support from the coaching staff, players, and fans. If that happens, a one-week gap may not leave significant consequences. In summary, the death of Kim Sang Sik's father is sad news. His return to South Korea is natural. The impact on Vietnam at the 2026 ASEAN Cup exists but is manageable. What needs monitoring is when he returns, the training situation during his absence, and the team's psychological state. If all goes smoothly, Vietnam can still compete in Group A. If there is instability, it will be a real test of the collective's character. The failure of a transfer is not bad news; it is real news. Here, the coach's absence is not a disaster, but a variable to be managed. Football always operates this way: people, emotions, and tactics intertwine. Those who understand that can turn difficulty into opportunity. For Vietnam, the opportunity lies in proving they do not depend on a single individual, but are a system flexible enough to adapt.