The contract between coach Phung Thanh Phuong and Ho Chi Minh City Club will officially expire at the end of June. Although the 2024-2025 season has ended, up to now, the leadership of the team named after Uncle Ho has not made any clear moves regarding the contract extension with Mr. Phuong.
Closing the season in 10th place with 28 points, Ho Chi Minh City club has completed the relegation goal, which was once considered a big challenge in the mid-season. In the context of the squad no longer maintaining the quality of last season, especially in the foreign player position and the fact that goalkeeper Patrik Le Giang was injured at a key stage, the above achievement can be considered a remarkable effort of coach Phung Thanh Phuong and his students.
In addition, the team also faces many difficulties outside of their expertise, such as prolonged financial problems that have caused players to intend to attack due to late salary, bonuses and hand-to-hand fees. In that situation, the role of stabilizing psychology and maintaining solidarity of coach Phung Thanh Phuong is very clear.
In terms of expertise, coach Phung Thanh Phuong is not a strange name to Ho Chi Minh City football. As a player and then an assistant, he understands the characteristics of the team's people, culture and operating structure.
When taking on the role of head coach, he quickly established a competition system suitable for the team's abilities, prioritizing tactical discipline and competitive spirit. Timely adaptation and crisis handling at key moments has helped the team achieve the ultimate goal of staying in the league one round early.
According to Lao Dong, at least 2 teams have contacted coach Phung Thanh Phuong to take the lead, but he has not made a specific decision.
On Ho Chi Minh City's side, although there is no shortage of qualified personnel to take on the position of head coach, considering the aspect of deep understanding of the team's internal situation, as well as the ability to connect internally and be loyal, coach Phung Thanh Phuong is still one of the most suitable options if the team wants to build long-term stability.
In the context that many teams in the V.League have begun to prepare for the new season, the fact that Ho Chi Minh City has not yet made a clear decision on the captain position is a question mark. If coach Phung Thanh Phuong leaves the team, this could be a big regret, especially when the team needs people who understand and are more attached to the identity of city football than ever.
