HANOI (16 Jan 2013) – After weeks of uncertainty, Hoang Van Phuc has finally stepped up and take over the running of the Vietnam national team – even though it will be just for the interim.
Following the resignation of Phan Thanh Hung following Vietnam’s failed campaign at the AFF Suzuki Cup last month, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) had been in talks with Hoang Anh Tuan and also Le Huynh Duc, the chief coach of defending V-League champions SHB Da Nang.
“The leaders of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) asked me twice to coach the team. I said no the first time as I was busy with my Hanoi football club,” said Van Phuc. “They recently came to me again and I agreed to their offer because I feel proud to be the coach of the national team.”
Van Phuc’s first assignment will be the friendly against Hyundai Mipo Dolphin FC from South Korea on 31 January that will serve as a prelude to the two qualifying games for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup – at home to the United Arab Emirates on 6 February and then away to Hong Kong on 22 March 22.
Van Phuc will be assisted by Le Tuan Long, Phung Thanh Phuong, and Quach Ngoc Minh.
