Coach Kim Sang-sik's Sprint Before Asian Cup: The Squad Depth Puzzle

Coach Kim Sang-sik has only weeks before the November international window. This is the sprint phase for the Asian Cup. Vietnam's biggest problem is not tactical formation but squad depth. At the ASEAN Cup, Kim's personnel experiments failed to deliver desired results. That reflects the gap between the core group and the rest. When key players lose form or get injured, the team immediately struggles. This signals dependence on a few individuals. The crowded V.League schedule increases injury risk. Clubs face performance pressure, while the national team bears the consequences. During the no-spectator season, I analyzed 87 Bundesliga 2 matches and found home win rate dropped from 43% to 34%. That shows human and environmental factors matter greatly. For Vietnam, the issue is similar: missing key players reduces collective strength. To compete at the Asian Cup, Vietnam needs fresh faces. But results pressure makes it hard for the coach to take risks. Too many changes could cost points in official matches. Too few changes could limit progress. This is a dilemma. The November matches will be a real test. A good result buys Kim time. A poor result raises pressure. The biggest risks are injuries, schedule congestion, and lack of depth. Vietnam remains a regional force but in Asia, the gap is still wide. The Asian Cup demands fitness, technique, and mentality. Kim must find a balance between results and development. That is the real race.