VFF names new head coach

The Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) has revealed that Toshiya Miura has been appointed the new manager of the national and Olympic football squads.

After a meeting lasting nearly 10 hours in Ha Noi yesterday, Miura agreed to a two-year deal and will begin work soon.


Miura said Vietnamese football had great potential and he understood the love and indulgence for the game by local residents.

He said it was an honour as he was the first Japanese coach to take charge of Viet Nam, describing it as a wonderful challenge.

Miura said he would do his best to help the teams to the top at the coming AFF Suzuki Cup.

Miura, who can speak English and German, will receive a much lower salary than his foreign predecessors.

The VFF will pay him about US$12,000 per month, including an apartment and travelling costs, about half what was paid to previous coaches.

VFF gave German Falko Goetz $25,000 per month while Portugese Henrique Calisto took home $22,000.

Born in 1963 in Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture, Miura started his career as a coach at the J.League's Vegalta Sendai in 1997 after he failed to make his name as a player.

He then took charge in different clubs such as Mito HollyHock (1998), Omiya Ardija (2000-01, 2004-06), Consadole Sapporo (2007-08), Vissel Kobe (2009-10), and Ventforet Kofu (2010-11).

In his 11-year career, Miura competed more than 100 matches and was classed as a dynamic and enthusiastic coach.

The new coach will be introduced to the public tomorrow in HCM City.