The negotiation about pay to Troussier has been one of the hottest issues being discussed recently.

“When VFF (Vietnam Football Federation) thought of inviting Troussier to work as the head coach for the national squad, we believed that the pay for the coach would be the biggest problem. We wondered if we could satisfy his expectations,” VFF’s Vice President Tran Anh Tu recalled.

“We had to do two things at the same time – seek sponsors and conduct negotiations with Troussier,” he said.

However, legal issues turned out to be the biggest problem, while the two sides reached consensus very quickly. VFF really wanted to invite the famous coach, while Troussier really wanted to come to Vietnam. He said he only wanted to work in Vietnam. This was good news for VFF.

“We really were surprised about financial agreements. Both sides were satisfied,” Tu said.

“Of course, Troussier initially set relatively high requirements. However, after negotiations, he agreed to lower the requirements,” he said, adding that it’s hard for a famous coach to do this – making concessions in financial requirements in exchange for the opportunity to work in Vietnam. 

Information about the salary to Troussier varies. At first, opinions from a well -informed circle said the French strategist would receive VND4 billion a month. But later, the figure was lowered to VND 1 billion, which is not much higher than that paid to Park Hang Seo, the predecessor of Troussier.

Tu declined to give an exact figure about the pay to the new coach. “I can only say that the pay to Troussier is higher than Mr. Park. The VFF will be financially capable to pay this sum,” he said.

Nguyen Manh Cuong, a coach at PVF, a youth football training center, who once had the chance to work together with Troussier, has revealed a surprising thing.

“Before the 2022 World Cup, an African football club tried to offer the job of its head coach with the monthly pay of $300,000. But Troussier refused the opportunity, saying that he only wants to work in Vietnam,” Cuong said.

It is expected that Troussier will come to Vietnam on February 26 and sign the contract with VFF one day later. The 68-year-old coach will present himself before the public in March together with U23 and national squads.

His first goal in Vietnam is retaining the gold medal at SEA Games 32.

Dai Nam