Viet Nam News
HA NOI — Ha Noi FC’s biggest concern about Thursday’s National Super Cup match is Quang Ninh Coal’s coach Phan Thanh Hung.
Hung was Ha Noi FC’s head coach for six years before he signed a contract with Quang Ninh last year.
Hung knows everything about Ha Noi FC’s players – their strengths and weaknesses, their habits and personalities. During his time, Ha Noi FC won the V.League twice, four silver medals, one Super Cup trophy and a silver in the National Cup.
The man behind Ha Noi FC’s current playing style, Hung has helped Quang Ninh, who just completed their third V.League year, defeat Ha Noi FC twice and draw once in their four meets last season.
As the two sides get ready to meet each other on Thursday in a match that will kick off the national football year, Ha Noi FC managers are worried.
“He was my trainer and brother for six years. He has left a deep mark on our club. We are facing a person who understands our every move, and that is not easy. The match will be difficult for us,” said coach Chu Dinh Nghiem of Ha Noi FC.
Nghiem, who successfully lifted Ha Noi FC from a poor start to win the National Premier League title in his debut as head coach, said he has told his players to focus 100 per cent and play their best.
Another problem for Ha Noi FC is that they don’t have a key striker as Hoang Vu Samson cannot play because of a lung infection.
However, Nghiem is confident that his substitutes can do the job.
“It is a pity that Samson is absent. But our newcomer Oloya Moses can fill the gap. Despite being new, he has integrated well with the team,” the coach said.
Moses will be strongly supported by captain Gonzalo Damian Marronkle and the two national-level players, midfielder Pham Thanh Luong and striker Nguyen Van Quyet.
The players are excited after last week’s send-off ceremony when the team got a new name (Ha Noi FC was formerly known as Ha Noi T&T) and the ownership of Hang Day stadium.
This will be the fourth time that Ha Noi FC are playing in the Super Cup, while it will be Quang Ninh’s first time. Ha Noi’s only Super Cup trophy was won when Hung was coach in 2010.
If Quang Ninh win on Thursday, Hung will make history as the first coach to lift the Super Cup with two different teams.
Hung, however, is cautious when he talks about his former team.
“I keep my eyes on the transfer market, and I am impressed with Ha Noi FC’s new players. Moses is the best foreign player in Viet Nam in 2016. He will strengthen Ha Noi’s midfield. Others like Trinh Duy Long and Ho Minh Di are really talented players,” he said. “At present, Ha Noi FC are too strong to beat. But in the last season’s meets we have had wins, a draw and a loss. This match will be a must-watch for everyone.”
This year, the Super Cup organisers have increased the bonus for winners - trophy holders will walk away with VND300 million (US$12,800), while runners-up will take home VND200 million ($9,000).
The game at Hang Day stadium will be telecast live on VTV6 channel from 4pm. — VNS