Following The Cong Viettel's 3-1 defeat to Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in Round 6 of the 2026/27 LPBank V-League, coach Velizar Popov parted ways with the club.

The Bulgarian became the first coach to lose his job in the V-League this season after the military-backed side endured an eight-match winless run across all competitions.

Popov is widely regarded as a capable tactician, having previously made his mark during his time in charge of Thanh Hoa FC.

At The Cong Viettel, he guided the team to a runner-up finish in the 2025/26 V-League season and two bronze medals in the National Cup.

However, when results fall short of expectations, even an accomplished coach such as Popov can find his position untenable.

At Hanoi FC, Harry Kewell's position also appeared uncertain at one stage. However, the former Australian international has temporarily eased the pressure following his team's crucial victory over Ninh Binh in Round 6.

Nevertheless, the season remains long, and there are no guarantees over Kewell's future should Hanoi FC slip into another period of poor form.

Pressure mounts on struggling V-League coaches

In southern Vietnam, Nguyen Viet Thang is considered the coach most at risk of leaving his position following Popov's departure.

The former Vietnam national team striker has already offered to resign, but Dong Nai FC's management has continued to express confidence in him.

Dong Nai have yet to register a victory this season, collecting just one point without scoring a single goal and slipping to the bottom of the standings.

The disappointing results have placed Viet Thang under increasing pressure.

If Dong Nai lose their next one or two matches, the club's management may run out of patience, making a change of head coach a distinct possibility.

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At Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL), coach Le Quang Trai is also facing significant difficulties.

After six rounds, the Central Highlands club have collected just three points from one victory and five defeats, leaving them second from bottom in the standings.

A 1-0 loss to newly promoted Bac Ninh in Round 6 has further intensified speculation about Quang Trai's future.

First Division clubs also consider coaching changes

Managerial instability is not limited to the V-League.

Vietnam's 2026/27 National First Division is already witnessing changes in coaching personnel despite the season still being in its early stages.

Most recently, Long An FC decided to part ways with coach Trinh Van Hau following a disappointing start to the campaign.

At the bottom of the standings, Phu Tho and Hue have each collected only two points from six matches, with little indication of an imminent turnaround.

Even clubs in mid-table are experiencing pressure to improve.

CAND, a team that has received substantial investment and is managed by coach Duc Thang, has yet to deliver results that match expectations.

Unless performances improve, Duc Thang and several other coaches could find themselves facing dismissal as clubs seek to reverse their fortunes in the 2026/27 season.

Dai Nam