Mr. Ho Van Chiem: 'National Cup is SLNA's number 1 goal'

(Baonghean.vn) - Before the match against FLC Thanh Hoa and the second leg of the 2017 National Cup final, Mr. Ho Van Chiem - Executive Director of SLNA Club had some frank sharing with Nghe An Newspaper reporter.

- V.League 2017 has come to an end. As a club leader, how do you evaluate the team's past season?

In any tournament or playground, club leaders, coaches and players all have certain ambitions within their capabilities. In the National Championship, our actual situation is only at that level. In difficult conditions in terms of people and in all aspects, I think finishing 8th is a good result for SLNA. In the National Cup, from the beginning we affirmed that we would go to the end of this game.

SLNA Club Executive Director Mr. Ho Van Chiem. Photo: Trung Kien

- With the goal of winning the National Cup, is SLNA Club worried about the difficulties that may arise because of the obligation to compete in the continental arena?

Of course, SLNA encountered many difficulties during the journey, but the results achieved reflect the will, motivation and are an opportunity to create a long history of achievements and traditions of the club. The press said that the National Cup is SLNA's 38th Cup, I think that in Vietnam, there is hardly any team that can compare if looking at SLNA's tradition room. With the current conditions, the determination to win the National Cup and reach the final is something that deserves to be recognized. Of course, there is still one more match, the ball has not rolled yet and we have to wait until November 30.

- So up to this point, what plans have the SLNA club leaders and coaching staff prepared to suit the situation and context of SLNA winning the National Cup championship?

I think that when preparing to enter the final match and maybe further into the AFC Cup, the first thing we think about is the force. At the same time, the team has to compete on 3 fronts, in which the National Championship is very fierce. This is a very difficult problem, but this is not the first time SLNA has competed in the continental arena, in terms of human resources SLNA is not lacking. The results may be modest, but in terms of strategy, the force for the 2018 season we have built and formed.

The 2018 season is predicted to be very difficult for SLNA as they have to compete on three fronts. Photo: Trung Kien

- As a team facing financial difficulties, how will SLNA Club solve its financial problems in the 2018 season, sir?

Of course, finance is an issue. We have to consider regulation, where to collect and where to call for support so that SLNA has a guaranteed financial source. Especially in the AFC Cup, it is very expensive. Up to this point, we have a strategy and still depend on sponsors, we have to ask the province for additional support. In short, there is nothing to worry about if we have to play in the Continental Cup. We are only worried about how to prepare professionally, the coaching staff must do a thorough job in terms of physical strength and human resources to compete well, while ensuring a position in the National Championship. And V.League is the fiercest and most important tournament for SLNA.

- In the final round of V.League, SLNA welcomed FLC Thanh Hoa in the context of no longer having a goal in this playground. However, the away team has the opportunity to win the championship. Does that put pressure on SLNA?

Meeting FLC Thanh Hoa at this time, SLNA will be under pressure, but that is pressure from the stands, from the preparation stage for a key match in the championship race. We are under pressure because we have to choose the right force, how to play so that the people understand, so that the fans love. Regarding this, the club's leaders have discussed with the coaching board and assigned tasks. And we have determined the goal is the National Cup. The SLNA coaching board must calculate to ensure the force to confront FLC Thanh Hoa, play well, bring emotions to the fans, then if we win the National Cup, it will be valuable and honored.

The National Cup Championship Cup is of great significance to SLNA fans and the Nghe An team. Photo: Trung Kien

- What can ensure that SLNA will play a "life-or-death" match against FLC Thanh Hoa that fans cannot miss, sir?

Of course, any team we determine must play a decisive victory. Maybe the starting lineup is made up of players who do not often play, but when they do, they are required to play with 100% determination. Give them the opportunity, first of all, they play for their personal brand, the brand of the team to affirm their level. Not to play for this team or that team as suspected and speculated. And above all, regardless of the result, we must determine to play a fierce match to serve the fans, affirm the prestige and quality of the National Championship.

- Although VFF and VPF have asked the Criminal Police Department to monitor the National Championship to prevent any possible negative incidents. So what action has SLNA Club taken in this matter?

In terms of player mentality, ensuring safety, and preventing negative issues that may occur, we have prepared and controlled for a long time. Players who step from the youth team to play professionally, we manage and control throughout the process, not just before the match against FLC Thanh Hoa./.

-Thank you for this interview!

T/h: Trung Kien