Temporary: Phan Thanh Hung will be in charge of the national men's team for the next four months. — VNA/VNS Photo Quoc Khanh

HA NOI — Phan Thanh Hung will be in charge of the national men's football team, the Viet Nam Football Federation has announced.

The VFF wanted to sign with a coach who could work with a long-term contract, yet Hung can only serve as coach for four months after the V-League's round 20 closes on June 3.

"My hope is to be back to my [Ha Noi T&T] club after my duty with the national team ends. VFF was okay with this and I agreed to take the position," said Hung.

His first competition will be two friendly matches against China and Hong Kong in a few days. Hung has the right to select his assistants as well as players.

Some days after the matches, the two sides will sit down and sign the contract.

Although the decision still needs approval from the National Sports and Physical Training Administration, the VFF chairman strongly believes things are going to be fine.

"The time is right for him to take this national job and we are close to our decision as an administration because at present there are no other options," said VFF chairman Nguyen Trong Hy.

The salary for the head coach is around VND200 million (US$9,500) per month in cases of long-term contracts. It will be adjusted to suit the current situation though VFF has not revealed the number.

The two friendly matches of the team are considered a warm-up for Viet Nam ahead of the Southeast Asian Football Federation Cup to kick off later this year.

Viet Nam who triumphed in 2008 are hoping to enter the final match. — VNS