Admits Good Performance, Kim Sang-sik Was Surprised By Shin Tae-yong's Dismissal

JAKARTA - Vietnam coach, Kim Sang-sik, admitted that he was surprised by the news of Shin Tae-yong's dismissal from the Indonesian national team. He hopes his compatriot can continue his coaching career with a better situation.

Shin Tae-yong was officially fired as coach of the Indonesian national team after PSSI officially announced it in a press conference held Monday, January 6, 2025.

The decision to dismiss was quite surprising considering that Shin Tae-yong had just received an extension of his work contract until 2027.

Kim Sang-sik also commented on Shin Tae-yong's dismissal. The Vietnam National Team coach recalled his promise with Shin Tae-yong when he faced each other in the 2024 AFF Cup.

"I watched the match live between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia last time and met Shin Tae-yong. We promised to meet in the final (AFF Cup 2024), but it's a shame we can't," said Kim Sang-ik as quoted by My Daily KR, Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Still can't believe that his former teammate's contract at Seongnam FC is over, Kim Sang-sik hopes that this incident will be a good sign for the continuation of his 54-year-old career.

"It's hard to say anything because I received bad news even though my score for him (Shin Tae-yong) is good," said Kim Sang-sik.

"Because he is a great leader and senior, I think there is another good way open up to him in the future."

"I think Shin Tae-yong can do it no matter where he goes," he said again.

Apart from Kim Sang-sik's response, on the day of Shin Tae-yong's dismissal, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir also explained that he had pocketed the name of the new coach.

The figure of the Dutch coach, Patrick Kluiver, is a substitute and will be officially introduced on January 12, 2025.