Coach Phan Thanh Hung is being considered to replace Mr. Goetz.
Coach Phan Thanh Hung (right) when he was an assistant to Mr. Goetz -
Photo: Si Huyen
This VFF official affirmed that the Vietnamese team will definitely be led by a domestic coach at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012.
He said: “This week, we will invite the National Coaching Council to meet with the VFF. Firstly, to review Coach Goetz’s contract before having an official meeting with the German coach about ending the contract early. Secondly, the VFF will propose a plan to choose a domestic coach for the national team and the U-23 Vietnam team so that the National Coaching Council can give its opinion. I think that after so many years of foreign coaches, it is time for Vietnamese football to trust domestic coaches.”
VFF is willing to pay domestic coaches a salary of 5,000-7,000 USD/month so that they can devote themselves with peace of mind. That means with the 22,000 USD/month currently paid to Coach Goetz, VFF will be willing to pay for the Vietnamese coaching staff. The remaining issue to be discussed is whether the selected domestic coaches will work fully for VFF or part-time when the national team gathers.
The official added: “We may face difficulties at first because domestic coaches are bound by contracts with their management units. But I believe the clubs will support the option of using domestic coaches.”
Among the domestic candidates, VFF is targeting coach Phan Thanh Hung for the position of head coach of the Vietnam national team at the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012. Specifically, on December 21, a VFF official had an (unofficial) conversation with coach Phan Thanh Hung when the Hanoi T&T Club was practicing at the national youth football training center.
The VFF official said: “I asked coach Phan Thanh Hung if he agreed to lead the Vietnamese team or not. He said it would be difficult this year because he had to ask for the club’s opinion, and the time was quite urgent because he needed to select a coaching staff that could work with him in selecting players. But if the club and VFF created favorable conditions, he would accept.”
The VFF's choice of coach Phan Thanh Hung is not too surprising as the 52-year-old coach had a long time as assistant coach to coach Calisto or recently coach Goetz in the U-23 Vietnam team at the 26th SEA Games. Coach Phan Thanh Hung also made his mark when he led the Vietnam Olympic team to the second round of the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad.
Speaking to Tuoi Tre, Coach Phan Thanh Hung confirmed that he had a conversation with a VFF representative: “This is an unofficial conversation, VFF has mentioned inviting me. If the club creates conditions, I will accept. I have a lot of experience in the national team after many years as an assistant to Coach Calisto, so I am confident that I can do well if given the opportunity.”
According to Tuoitre
