Indonesian media reacts to Coach Kim Sang Sik's comments on naturalized players

Vietnam U23 coach Kim Sang Sik recently drew attention by warning that Indonesia relies too heavily on naturalized players, sparking strong reactions and heated debates in the country's media.

The Vietnamese national team coach Kim Sang Sik has recently attracted significant attention within the Southeast Asian football community when he shared his views on Indonesia and Malaysia. According to CNN Indonesia, he believes these two teams depend excessively on naturalized players to strengthen their squads instead of focusing on nurturing local talent.

In statements cited by CNN Indonesia, Kim Sang Sik emphasized: “Many teams like Indonesia and Malaysia boost their strength by using naturalized players, but Vietnamese football aims for a bigger goal. We prioritize developing young talents, providing systematic training, and giving them opportunities to grow in international environments.” He argued that relying too much on naturalized players only offers short-term benefits and may leave the team without a sustainable foundation in the long run.

CNN Indonesia interprets this as an indirect warning to Indonesia, a team accustomed to using naturalized players in youth and regional competitions. According to Kim Sang Sik, to compete sustainably in Asia, Southeast Asian teams need to build internal strength, invest in youth development, and create chances for players to gain international experience.

One of the key strategies of the Korean coach is encouraging Vietnamese players to compete abroadin highly competitive leagues to improve their skills and match temperament. He stated: “Currently, Vietnamese players mainly compete domestically. They need to go abroad to learn, train, and elevate their level. This is how we build a strong and sustainable team.”

CNN Indonesia believes Kim Sang Sik's remarks are not meant to attack any individual or team but serve as a strategic reminder highlighting the importance of developing local players and establishing a solid foundation. At the same time, it acts as a cautionary message for Indonesia.

During this period, Coach Kim Sang Sik will begin preparations for Vietnam U23’s journey at the AFC U23 Championship held in Saudi Arabia.