Coach Kim Sang-sik directly points out the reason why Xuan Son hasn't scored

Coach Kim Sang-sik discloses that Xuan Son increased 4kg following injury, impacting his form, and hopes this forward will quickly recover his physical state prior to the Malaysia game.

Coach Kim Sang-sik shared candid remarks after the 3-0 victory over Bangladesh, particularly emphasizing the physical condition and weight of Nguyen Xuan Son as factors directly influencing this striker's recent performance.

Regarding Xuan Son's signs of decline, the Korean strategist did not avoid the issue. “We will have to check Xuan Son's condition. He has gained about 4kg,” he stated. According to Coach Kim Sang-sik, this weight gain somewhat affects the mobility and flexibility in the play of the striker born in 1997.

Not only stopping at weight, he also revealed the underlying reason causing Xuan Son not to reach his best form. “Recently, he suffered a thigh injury, so he couldn't move in his best condition. That significantly affected his match feel,” the head coach of the Vietnam national team analyzed. Having to rest from play and limited training during the recovery period is considered the reason why Xuan Son's physical condition hasn't met requirements.

Nevertheless, Coach Kim Sang-sik still trusts his player and believes this striker is gradually improving. “Xuan Son is in the process of recovery and regaining his form. This is what we expect to improve soon in the coming period,” he added. This tactician believes that when achieving better physical condition, Xuan Son will be able to operate more widely, participate in coordination, and create more breakthroughs in the attack.

Besides the story of Xuan Son, Coach Kim Sang-sik also mentioned using Hoang Hen in different positions. “Before the match, I discussed with Hen about the possibility of changing roles on the field, and he was fully prepared,” he shared. According to the coaching staff's assessment, Hoang Hen is a highly flexible player who can play in various positions from forward to midfielder.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's remarks show that the Vietnam national team is in the process of refining both physical condition and tactics, focusing on helping key players like Xuan Son achieve peak performance in the upcoming match against Malaysia.