HANOI (3 March 2011) – Henrique Calisto, the chief coach of the Vietnam national team has resigned after what he felt was unfair media criticism following his team’s failure to retain the AFF Suzuki Cup last December.
The Portuguese tactician, whose contract with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) was due to run until 2013, was released by federation yesterday with local media reporting he would take over at Thai champions Muang Thong United.
He denied his departure had anything to do with salary and said he was disappointed with the media after Vietnam failed to defend the ASEAN title after losing to eventual winners Malaysia in a lacklustre semi-final.
“Last year, five clubs from Kuwait, Dubai and China offered me higher salaries than what I get here but I refused them,” he told Tuoi Tre newspaper.
“But I feel disappointed with some newspaper columns heaping criticism against me and my men. And that is the most important reason for my leaving.”
In the meantime, Muang Thong FC confirmed that Calisto had agreed to coach the TPL champions and will come to Thailand tomorrow for talks concerning his contract.
“I think he will start next Monday,” said Muang Thong manager Robert Procureur who is the club’s caretaker coach.
Muang Thong general manager Ronnarit Suewaja said the Kirins are interested in Calisto because he is a successful coach with knowledge of football in the region.
The Portuguese guided Vietnam to the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 crown after beating Thailand in the final. He has coached several Vietnamese clubs including V-League side Dong Tam Long An.
“He has the character to gain respect from Muang Thong players,” Ronnarit said. “With him as coach, we do not need a translator because he speaks many languages like English, German, French and Portuguese.”
It was reported that Calisto, 58, would receive around USD30,000 (BHT930,000) a month with Muang Thong while he reportedly got USD22,000 (BHT682,000) a month with the Vietnamese national team.
If a deal is finalised, Calisto will become Muang Thong’s fourth coach in two years.
The club sacked Attapol Bussapakom after he steered Muang Thong to their first-ever TPL title in 2009. Likewise, Belgian coach Rene Desayere was fired after helping Muang Thong retain the crown last year.
Former Thailand coach Roberto Carvalho replaced Desayere in January but his spell as coach of Muang Thong lasted only weeks.
He was removed to oversee the club’s academy after Muang Thong lost to Chonburi FC in the King’s Trophy match and were eliminated in the AFC Champions League qualifiers.
