The Vietnam Football Federation has decided to find a foreign coach to replace Nguyen Huu Thang as no local coach meets the criteria they set to lead the national team.

Coach Nguyen Huu Thang

The VFF said any candidate needed to have been a head coach at a professional football club and willing to accept the offered salary. The candidate must also know English. According to the VFF, they will prioritise retired professional footballers aged less than 60.

VFF Secretary Le Hoai Anh said the coach must have AFC Pro-Diploma as per Asian Football Confederation's regulations. As a result of their choice of criteria, no current local coach could qualify for the position.

Without the licence, a local candidate could only sign a one-year contract. "Foreign coaches have the licence and we can sign a two-year contract which opens the door to greater planning and important tournaments," said VFF Vice Chairman Tran Quoc Tuan.

Tuan admitted that there would be difficulties with the salary but there were solutions to ensure financial sources. They are willing to pay to hire a good coach for the team.

Last month, Nguyen Huu Thang resigned after the team lost 3-0 to Thailand in last Group B clash in the 29th SEA Games. Thang suggested there was a lack of mental preparation for the players for the match after the draw with Indonesia and they needed different experts to help Vietnamese football improve.

dtinews