The Vietnam national team and the puzzle of timing peak performance

The interval of under a month between the ASEAN Cup and the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 presents head coach Kim Sang Sik with a challenging decision on selecting primary targets, distributing team strength, and timing players' peak performance.

Vietnam's preparation for the ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign is facing substantial personnel hurdles. Nearly a week into the training camp, the squad on the field is still missing its most complete pieces. The lingering toll of an extended domestic season has drained the players' stamina, causing several key figures to be sidelined with minor injuries or suboptimal fitness levels.

A prime example is rookie Ngo Dang Khoa, who never even laced up his boots for practice before departing the squad. This loss obviously throws a major wrench into coach Kim Sang Sik's original plans.

The shortage of players prevents the Korean manager from fully implementing tactical drills, experimenting with coordination patterns, or assembling an ideal starting eleven. From a standard professional viewpoint, this is undoubtedly not an ideal preparation for a tournament of regional stature.

Aware of the players' depleted physical condition after a packed club schedule in domestic leagues, the Korean tactician is prioritizing recovery, energy replenishment, and timing peak form. The quest for the ASEAN Cup 2026 championship will be determined not only by training but also by reaching peak readiness for the opening clash with Timor Leste on July 24 and sustaining it throughout the competition.

The challenges that have emerged during preparation were expected. Nevertheless, the crucial factor is that Coach Kim Sang Sik and his team ensure the training process remains proactive. Looking at the current approach, it's clear that Kim Sang Sik still holds complete command of the preparation plan along with effective contingency measures. The key for Vietnam to move forward steadily is to remain level-headed and say "no" to time pressure, waiting for each player to return at their peak physical and mental state.

Clearly, Kim Sang Sik is willing to accept a cautious, slow start that offers far greater long-term value than the risks of being hasty. The current manpower shortage would only be truly concerning if the coaching staff were caught on the back foot. However, given the current situation, Kim Sang Sik still maintains complete control over the preparation plan and has effective contingencies in place.

The Korean coach knows that acting hastily and making uncalculated decisions now could result in unfortunate recurring injuries, forcing last-minute changes to the squad list. After extensive observation of Vietnamese football, Kim Sang Sik has also recognized the toll that a packed club schedule takes on players' fitness. It's evident that the training camp in South Korea starting July 2 is a critical phase for the coaching staff to refine tactical formations and ensure players hit their peak form just before the tournament.

Despite numerous challenges, the Vietnam national team has no alternative but to adapt and improvise. Fans anticipate a more flexible and resilient Vietnam team under the Korean manager's guidance. The ASEAN Cup 2026 is more than just a competition; it is a true litmus test for the mettle and depth of Vietnamese football during this difficult transition.