In round 15 of V.League, Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Dong A Thanh Hoa clubs shared points after a 0-0 draw.
In the post-match press conference, coach Popov shared: "Seeing fairness, how do you see us playing after the recent winless matches? In fact, there were many matches where we performed well but we were not fair.
How did the referees work, they didn't want us to win? I want to ask where they want us to be? We don't need to help or be biased, just be fair.
I can give some situations in the match. In the first half, player Van Thuan tried to keep the ball but the referee showed a yellow card, or when we had an advantage, they blew the whistle, for example, Ngoc My held the ball close to the penalty area and stopped. On the contrary, Ha Tinh also benefited from such situations.
In the second half, there were many collisions with player Nguyen Hoang but we did not have an advantage. Meanwhile, opponents are likely to enjoy many free kicks in areas close to the border, which can lead to goals, but these areas cannot be checked by VAR.
Mr. Popov added: "I can sit down with the referees to analyze today's match, the situations on the field are right or wrong. In case I'm wrong, I accept that I can be fined.
For me, winning 1 point today is as valuable as winning 3 points. We have no problems. If we play poorly, we will worry. Every first point for our team is extremely important".
Regarding the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) admitting the referee's mistake in the previous match against Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Popov said: "I don't need them to apologize, who will give Thanh Hoa the 2 points back?"
Returning to the race in V.League 2024-2025, the Bulgarian strategist said: "Thanh Hoa still lacks many things to compete for the top 6. We cannot compare with Nam Dinh, The Cong Viettel or Hanoi in terms of economic potential, personnel, and forces to continuously rotate the squad.
Our goal is not to be relegated. Up to now, I think this is still my best season in 3 years leading the team".
