New head coach of Saigon FC: "I am always ready to face difficulties"

- What motivated you to accept to lead Saigon FC in such a difficult situation?

- “I can only say that it is the motivation from the profession. These days I have not even thought about why I took on this responsibility. I just put all my thoughts into professional matters. In my head I only worry about how to overcome weaknesses, how to bring the team back to stability. From there, I filter the tasks that I have to do in front of me, what to do first, what to do later. Honestly, at this time I do not put too much emphasis on my emotions for a new position.

Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong (left) is the son of Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh (former head coach of SLNA). Photo: Duc Anh

When I was an assistant to coach Phan Van Tai Em, I also analyzed professional issues for him. However, that was the role of a deputy coach, an assistant, I only contributed ideas to the head coach. Now in the role of leading the team, when I saw the causes, I had to find a solution. I immediately started working on the professional work, forgetting my feelings.

- Having many years of experience in youth training and working as an assistant at Saigon Club, and having studied through a professional coaching course (AFC Pro-Diploma Coaching), do you think that will be an advantage for you?

- “It might be different when I take over a new team from the beginning, but the current situation of Saigon FC does not allow me time to think for myself. Of course, from being a young coach to assistant coach here, I will have advantages but not all. For example, I can adapt to the job sooner and better. And that cannot determine success. The difference between youth football and V.League is very big, very much.

I will apply the knowledge I have learned to coaching, but it is only experimental and cannot be imposed yet. I have applied that knowledge to youth training but now I have to refine and add to it to suit my current position.

Difficulties await Saigon FC and new head coach Nguyen Thanh Cong ahead. Photo: Duc Anh

- After you take over as coach of Saigon FC, what will the team's personnel situation be like? Will there be any additional personnel in the remaining period?

- I will not be able to make any additions to the team at this time, everything has already happened and I am forced to use all the internal resources that Saigon FC has to overcome the difficulties. For me, once I have made a decision, I never regret it. When the leader assigns a task, I accept it without thinking about how I will be, what I will gain, what I will lose, failure or success. Everything must have a beginning and I am always ready to face everything. Now, I just hope that luck will come to me and Saigon FC."

- Thank you for sharing and I wish you success in your new mission!

- In the next round, Saigon FC will return to Thong Nhat Stadium in the match against Nam Dinh. For the rest of the season, Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's task is to steer Saigon FC through difficulties. At this time, Nam Dinh and XSKT Can Tho have left Saigon 4 points behind on the rankings.

After receiving the news that Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong will lead Saigon FC for the rest of V.League 2018, Coach Dang Phuong Nam - a former colleague of Coach Thanh Cong shared: "I am a bit hesitant between congratulating and sharing with you... Because taking on such a heavy responsibility at this time is not necessarily a happy thing. But knowing your personality, you are never afraid of hardship, you are ready to face all difficulties, so now the opportunity has come to you. Just keep moving forward. Everyone always supports you, wishing you success!"

Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong: The silent traveler

(Baonghean) - "Maybe not a good teacher, but definitely a good teacher" - the son of veteran coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh has followed this philosophy throughout 16 years of youth football training. After a period of focusing on his studies, the former head coach of U19 SLNA has found a new destination to nurture his passion.