Coach Huu Thang laced up his boots and played against Van Quyen at Vinh Stadium.

(Baonghean.vn) - On the afternoon of September 24th, coach Nguyen Huu Thang unexpectedly appeared at Vinh Stadium during a friendly match of the veteran club Song Lam Nghe An.

Striker Pham Van Quyen was also present at this special match, however, he was on the opposite side of the field from his coach Huu Thang. Photo: Thanh Cuong

SLNA head coach Nguyen Duc Thang also donned the gloves and stood in goal. Photo: Thanh Cuong

In his most recent interview with the press, the coach stated that he was not shirking responsibility. However, he also did not want to be exploited in internal conflicts and needed time to rest. Because of these controversies, the former national team coach has been absent from the public eye for a long time, spending more time with his family, and remaining discreet and avoiding contact with the media.

Reuniting with former teammates Quang Trường, Đức Thắng, Huy Hoàng, Văn Quyến... in a friendly match, Hữu Thắng chose to play as a striker, a position he once favored when he started playing football.

Despite the signs of age and not playing the full 90 minutes, the refreshing moments with the round ball showed that this coach had quickly forgotten the fatigue of the past period. After the match, Coach Huu Thang was still happy to take photos and interact with fans before returning home.

Coach Huu Thang appeared relaxed and refreshed after the intense pressure. Photo: Thanh Cuong

What fans are most concerned about right now is the future of coach Nguyen Huu Thang. However, amidst rumors of him potentially coaching teams like Ho Chi Minh City FC or Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC, the former SLNA head coach firmly asserts that his most important task is completing the AFC Pro-Diploma Coaching course and taking time to rest. This is because during his time working with the national team, Coach Huu Thang's health has been compromised due to a persistent case of pneumonia.

Fans were delighted to see coach Huu Thang appear at Vinh Stadium. Photo: Thanh Cuong.

Despite being considered a failure while working with the national team, the coach from Nghe An will continue to pursue his passion and career in football. It is known that Coach Nguyen Huu Thang's biggest dream is to build a football academy right in his hometown.

Reporters' Team