Phuc ends time as national coach

The Viet Nam Football Federation ended its contract with Hoang Van Phuc, manager of the national men's and under-23 squads.

Phuc previously asked to quit his job earlier than the contract date of May 1, 2015.


After the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar and the Asian Cup's qualification, the Hanoian coach submitted his opinion to the VFF, reasoning that the teams needed new personnel to succeed in their quest for an ASEAN Football Federation Cup title later this year.

Phuc, 40, has made remarkable achievements with the national junior teams and became the national team manager last May. However, he has not been successful with the senior contingents.

"I tried my best but luck did not come to me. I do not regret anything because I gave my all to the job," said Phuc who said he was ready to help VFF in youth training plans later on.

VFF Deputy Chairman Tran Quoc Tuan and General Secretary Le Hoai Anh appreciated Phuc's contribution and hoped he would succeed in the future.

The VFF expects to find a replacement this month.

The national football governing body has shown interest in Japanese coaches. Yesterday they left for Japan to meet with the first candidates proposed by the local federation.

At present, the head of the V-League's managing board is Japanese Koji Tanaka.