Coach Kim Sang Sik returns to South Korea after father's death: Grief and preparation puzzle for ASEAN Cup 2026

Vietnam national team head coach Kim Sang Sik has returned to South Korea to attend the funeral of his father, who passed away at the age of 84 after a long battle with illness. The information was confirmed by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) on August 23, 2026. According to a VFF announcement, President Tran Quoc Tuan directly encouraged Kim Sang Sik to return home and sent deep condolences to the family of the South Korean strategist. It is expected that Kim Sang Sik will spend about a week mourning and stabilizing his spirit before returning to Vietnam to continue his work. This is a crucial sprint period as the Vietnam national team is urgently preparing for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, which will kick off from September 24 to October 5, 2026. The absence of the head coach during this time poses no small challenge to the team's preparation. Kim Sang Sik was appointed to lead the Vietnam national team in May 2026. Over the past two years, he has shown dedication and professionalism, leading both the U23 and senior national teams to many positive results in regional and continental competitions. He is known for his serious working style, high focus on expertise, and regularly attends V.League matches to monitor player performance. The passing of Kim Sang Sik's father is a great emotional loss. At 84, his father had a long battle with illness, so while the pain is inevitable, he may have been somewhat psychologically prepared. However, returning to South Korea at this time is still the top priority, and VFF has shown maximum understanding and support. From a professional perspective, the absence of a head coach during the final preparation phase for a major tournament always carries risks. Based on my experience following matches, national teams often have important tactical sessions in the period before a tournament. Kim Sang Sik's one-week absence could affect the implementation of tactical drills, especially set pieces and group coordination. However, the extent of the impact depends on whether the coaching staff has a backup plan. Usually, national teams will have assistant coaches who maintain training intensity while the head coach is away. VFF has not announced whether any assistant will take temporary charge, but with the professionalism of the current coaching staff, it is likely that training sessions will continue according to the lesson plan. The more concerning factor is psychology. Kim Sang Sik may return with a not fully stable spirit, affecting his decision-making in matches. In elite football, the focus of the head coach is a key factor, especially in tense matches. The Vietnam national team is in Group A of the 2026 ASEAN Cup along with Thailand, the Philippines, and Pakistan. This is considered a group with moderate competitiveness, where Thailand is the main rival for the top spot, while the Philippines and Pakistan are considered weaker. The minimum goal for Vietnam is to advance from the group stage, and if there are no major surprises, Kim Sang Sik's team will reach the semi-finals. However, pressure from fans is significant, as they expect a championship title after years of waiting. In that context, Kim Sang Sik's absence, even for just a week, could create certain gaps in preparation. According to experts, the head coach's absence from tactical training sessions could cause some players to lose necessary orientation. However, with the extensive experience of the coaching staff, major disruptions are unlikely. Another aspect to note is the potential reaction of the players. Many Vietnamese players have worked with Kim Sang Sik since he took over the team, and the teacher-student relationship is built on respect and trust. Upon learning of the coach's father's death, players may have extra motivation to play for him, as a way to honor his contributions to Vietnamese football. This is a positive psychological effect that can help the team perform brilliantly. On VFF's side, the handling of this situation shows professionalism and humanity. President Tran Quoc Tuan directly encouraging Kim Sang Sik to return home is a beautiful gesture, showing concern for the coach's personal life. This not only gives Kim Sang Sik more motivation but also creates a positive image for Vietnamese football in the eyes of international friends. In the past, there have been cases of foreign coaches facing family events but not being allowed to return home, leading to unnecessary tensions. VFF did the right thing by putting the human factor first. From a media perspective, the story of Kim Sang Sik is receiving great sympathy from Vietnamese fans. Social media is flooded with condolences and encouragement for him. This is a positive signal, showing the fans' affection for the South Korean coach is very large. However, it should be noted that if the Vietnam national team does not perform well at the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the pressure may return, and sympathy will quickly be replaced by criticism. Football is always that harsh. Looking to the near future, Kim Sang Sik is expected to return to Vietnam next weekend, around August 30, 2026. He will have about three weeks before the tournament kicks off to finalize preparations with his players. This period is enough for him to convey important tactical ideas, but it also requires high concentration. With the courage of an experienced coach, Kim Sang Sik is expected to soon overcome his grief and lead the Vietnam national team to success. After all, in football, personal events are always part of the game. The way a team and a federation respond to such events partly reflects their culture and vision. VFF has proven that they know how to put people above achievements, and that deserves recognition. As for Kim Sang Sik, returning to South Korea this time is not only a responsibility to his family but also an opportunity for him to find balance before entering a new challenge. The real challenge is not whether he shows up on time, but whether he can turn grief into motivation for his players, so that the Vietnam national team plays not only for honor but also for a respected teacher.