The gloomy picture surrounding Vietnam football that has partly been caused by the financial malaises has cast a shadow on the clubs, players, and understandably, the coaches as well. While the clubs are now struggling to seek new sponsors for the coming 2013 season, and the footballers, including the stars, are concerned about their future, some high-profile coaches are already unemployed, and uncertain about which clubs they will be working with in the new season that is scheduled to kick off in January. Portuguese coach Henrique Calisto, who built up a considerable career with Vietnam’s national team and a local club, is still searching for his next destination after ending his contract with Portugal’s Pacos de Ferreira as the 2012 season closed. “I have talked with some [clubs] but have failed to reach any agreements,” he told Tuoi Tre. The coach, who led Vietnam to win the 2008 AFF Cup, has had to upload his CV to transfermarkt.co.uk to increase his chances of finding a new job. Calisto used to receive a monthly salary of US$22,000 while working for Thailand’s Muangthong United FC in 2011, where he was sacked after eight months of steering the team with poor results. Football experts said the Portuguese coach will now accept a wage of $15,000 to work for a V-League club during these hard economic times. But it’s difficult for any club to accept even that lowered rate, commented Saigon FC’s coach Luu Quang Lam. Meanwhile, other high profile coaches working for domestic clubs are already out of work, or are likely to soon become a jobseeker. Le Thuy Hai, a big name in local football coaching, hasn’t been contacted by any clubs, despite the huge trophies he gained with previous clubs such as Vissai Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Vicem Hai Phong. The main reason must be because he used to enjoy a high salary of VND100 million ($4,800) at the said clubs, insiders said. But Hai said it’s not the money that counts. “I used to demand high payment to prove my value, and at these hard times, I’m willing to be paid less, as long as the clubs are truly enthusiastic in inviting me,” he said.Uncertain future Pham Cong Loc, who left his home club Dong Thap for Navibank Saigon earlier this year, said he has no idea about his destiny at the club, which is set to be transferred to another owner after the main sponsor, Navibank, stopped funding the club. Loc said he has returned to Dong Thap to wait for the final decision from Navibank Saigon’s superiors. “I believe that Ho Chi Minh City’s authorities will not let the club to be dissolved. They will manage to maintain its operation,” he said. Asked what if the club eventually has to be dissolved, Loc said he will try to find a new club as soon as possible. “I don’t want to be out of work in the 2013 season,” he said. For other unemployed coaches, the future seems dark as no clubs are likely to change coaches when they are already burdened by financial problem. “Even when they are forced to have a new coach, they will be very cautious and careful in hiring one,” coach Hai said.