Coach Popov: Walk on a unique path
The 1-1 draw against Ha Tinh Club in round 10 of V-League 2024 – 2025 caused coach Velizar Popov’s Thanh Hoa Club to be chased by the opponent, blowing hot air on the back of their neck.
However, let’s look at the big picture. In the context of having to play with high density from the V-League to the Southeast Asian tournament (15 matches from the beginning of the tournament, at least 3 or 4 more matches than other teams), what can Mr. Popov and his team do? Holding the top spot in the V-League table, still having the chance to continue in the Southeast Asian championship, and having a series of 13 unbeaten matches in all competitions.
Thanh Hoa Club is very “tough”
Thanh Hoa Club was able to do that when they went through a period without key striker Rimario Gordon, the team changed more than half compared to last season and the pressure to succeed was obviously greater. It is unknown where Thanh Hoa Club will go this season, with a small force, it will be difficult for Mr. Popov and his team to compete in the V-League. In fact, in the past two seasons, the Thanh team often played very “hot” in the first leg, but was exhausted in the second leg. However, we must admit that coach Popov is very good.
Not only is he talented in managing well with the transfer budget and limited player source, but he can also say it and do it. A type of strategist who is loud and likes to… complain about every issue from the field, the referee to the match schedule (no coach has received as many yellow cards as Mr. Popov in the past 2 years), but works conscientiously. and fight with all your heart. As one of the few coaches in the V-League who has the respect of the players, on that foundation, the Bulgarian coach has helped Thanh Hoa Club “transform”, becoming a team with a unique playing philosophy. , first-class science and enthusiasm.
On the unique path at Thanh Hoa Club, coach Popov is not the type of person who wants to compromise. The former coach of Myanmar’s U.23 team put Thanh Hoa’s team into a strict physical training framework, because with a team with more modest strength, if they want to win, the only way to compete is to be stronger and run more.
Coach Popov has a strong personality
The player who exudes that sincere and simple fighting spirit of Thanh Hoa Club is Doan Ngoc Tan. After joining the Vietnamese team in a “hard battle” with Thailand in the final leg of the AFF Cup 2024, Ngoc Tan only needed to rest for 2 more days, then joined Thanh Hoa to draw with Thailand’s strong team BG Pathum with Chanathip Songkrasin in the squad. In the V-League, when teams are increasingly “saturated” in playing philosophy, or building success on a foundation of money, having a team with its own color like Mr. Popov’s Thanh Hoa is precious.
What about Coach Polking?
Coach Polking has many things in common with Popov: he worked in the Thai League, brought the breath of European football (Mr. Polking is of German origin, while Popov is Bulgarian) to Southeast Asia, and has a proactive playing philosophy. If Coach Popov prefers pressing and direct, muscular play, Mr. Polking prefers to control the ball and regulate the pace of play at the highest level of initiative possible.
Fate also gives both of them the most suitable teams to deploy their gameplay. Coach Popov has to manage the Thanh Hoa team, which is “poor” each season, while Mr. Polking takes charge of the Hanoi Police Club (CAHN Club), which has nothing but… stars.
Coach Polking is struggling
Quality national players, the best foreign soldiers, and the best overseas Vietnamese. There are many ingredients for Coach Polking to create a dedicated and beautiful attacking style of play, as he did in the past with the Thai team or Bangkok United.
However, up to this point, Mr. Polking’s CAHN Club is still struggling to find its way. 6th place is not a problem because the season is still long. But, the draw with SLNA or a series of dull, disjointed matches before that raises the question for the German-born coach: how much time does it take for his philosophy to take shape? Coach Polking affirmed that he is trusted, but with a large investment in force, the CAHN Club may not wait long.
Compared to Coach Popov, Mr. Polking’s progress is more favorable. But, to make an impression like his foreign colleague, the former Thai team coach still has to try a lot!
