Coach Ngo Quang Truong: After the ups and downs

(Baonghean) - After resigning as head coach of SLNA, Quang Truong has rarely been seen, even at the team's matches in Vinh. It seems that after two seasons as head coach of SLNA, Quang Truong wants to rest and spend time with his family.

Upon leaving his position as head coach of the Nghe An team, there were many rumors about Quang Truong's future. Some sources suggested that, with his relatively complete qualifications and experience, Quang Truong received offers from several V.League teams. There were also rumors that the former SLNA coach would be seconded to work as an assistant or head coach for a First Division team.

But the reality is quite different. Quang Trường is not the type of person who craves fame or enjoys conquering challenges; he lives a rather quiet life. After leaving the first team, Quang Trường, following the leadership's instructions, took charge of a youth team at the Sông Lam academy.

Quang Trường enjoying a relaxing moment with his family. Photo: Vĩnh Liêm

Quang Trường is content with his relaxed job because it gives him more time for his family. Away from professional football, Quang Trường also wants to stay out of the spotlight and rest. It's rare to see the former star player putting on his boots and playing amateur football with his contemporaries.

Two years as head coach of the Nghe An team, though not long, were full of ups and downs for Quang Truong. Therefore, the former national team player has reason to keep a low profile amidst the controversies surrounding football.

Previously, at the end of 2014, coach Nguyen Huu Thang unexpectedly resigned, and coach Ngo Quang Truong, who was then part of the youth training department, was appointed as head coach. In the past, Quang Truong had been the head coach of the U.17 and U.19 SLNA teams and made a significant impact. He had led the U.17 SLNA team to win the national championship in 2012.

As a highly skilled coach, Quang Trường helped SLNA achieve great success in the first half of the 2015 season. Unfortunately, due to several objective reasons, primarily the team's personnel, they did not achieve the desired success, especially in the 2016 season. As the team's "captain," Quang Trường was deeply troubled. Being reserved and private, Quang Trường rarely complained or spoke about his hardships.

However, at some point, people can't keep trying anymore, because careers are short, and one has to take care of oneself and spend time with family. Quang Trường had submitted a resignation letter at the end of the first half of the 2016 season. However, this wish was not granted because the management encouraged him to continue working, also to help the team during a difficult time.

Quang Trường wants to leave his job with the first team to return to youth training, a field he was once passionate about and where he had produced successful students. The pressure in the youth team is moderate, and it is considered more suitable for Coach Ngô Quang Trường's personality. It's no coincidence that Quang Trường rejected many offers from other clubs to happily take on the position of head coach of a youth team at the Sông Lam academy.

Although he no longer works in a major league like the V.League, Quang Trường's passion and sense of responsibility for his profession remain strong. Every day, he goes to the club's headquarters twice a day to work. Besides coaching young players, Quang Trường, with his years of experience, is also a friend and confidant to the team members, sharing their experiences and understanding their individual circumstances.

Coming up, when he leads the U.15 team in the national championship qualifiers, people will once again see a Quang Trường full of passion and responsibility for the dream that has haunted him for over 20 years. After the ups and downs in the V.League, Quang Trường enjoys this, being free to focus on his work of nurturing talent.

Vinh Liem