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.
More
Vietnamese taxi firm Vinasun announces $25mn investment in hybrid cars amidst EV trend
The firm intends to invest VND630-650 billion (US$24.8-25.6 million) in purchasing 700 hybrid cars
Read more
Vietnamese freestyle football champion debuts at LaLiga half-time
The spectators reacted with surprise and enthusiasm to the half-time performance by the Vietnamese footballer
2 days agoVietnam launches first-ever triathlon federation
Triathlons have gained substantial popularity in Vietnam over the past decade
2 days ago17-year-old nominated for 2023 VBA ‘Rookie of the Year’
The rising Thang Long warriors star built up quite a buzz at the beginning of the 2023 VBA season
6 months agoVietnamese canoeist, rower secure spots at 2024 Olympics
Vietnam now has nine athletes set to compete in Paris
4 days agoVietnam set sights on Uzbekistan match after advancing to AFC U23 Asian Cup quarterfinals
Head coach Hoang Anh Tuan is ensuring that Vietnam’s U23 team remains grounded
4 days agoHighlights
Central Committee of Communist Party of Vietnam agrees to resignation of top lawmaker Vuong Dinh Hue
The 13th Party Central Committee convened a meeting in Hanoi on Friday to discuss and give opinions on relieving Hue of all his political roles and ending his public service
Photos
Artist paints murals on house to raise awareness of COVID-19 prevention in Hanoi
He drew the virus, vaccine, and earth on the exterior walls of a house
Latest news
Central Committee of Communist Party of Vietnam agrees to resignation of top lawmaker Vuong Dinh Hue
The 13th Party Central Committee convened a meeting in Hanoi on Friday to discuss and give opinions on relieving Hue of all his political roles and ending his public service
Colombia's Chiribiquete park to receive $1 million annually for at least 30 years
Colombia's parks agency, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and German fund Legacy Landscapes on Thursday launched a financial mechanism to fund Chiribiquete National Park with $1 million each year for at least 30 years
Rest stops unavailable along 100km-long expressway in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Apart from the absence of rest stops, the Trung Luong-My Thuan Expressway currently has just two lanes and no emergency shoulder
'Extreme' climate blamed for world's worst wine harvest in 62 years
Australia and Italy suffered the worst
Over 100 Vietnamese cargo vehicles have been kept in China since early 2023
The situation was attributed to contract disputes and drivers’ failure to preserve goods
Foreign visitors amazed by night stay in northern Vietnam ethnic village
In the central living area of a traditional Mong ethnic house in Lao Xa Village, Sung La Commune, located in Dong Van District of Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam, over a dozen guests congregated around hot dinner trays prepared by a millennial local man and his wife.
Netherlands tops EU investors in Ho Chi Minh City: vice-chairman
The support from the government and Dutch investors is making practical contributions to Ho Chi Minh City
Glamping sites encroach on Ho Chi Minh City rivers, canals
Glamping has become a new tourism trend among the young
A closer look at BYD Seal ahead of entry into Vietnam
The car might be available in Vietnam in both hybrid and electric versions
Vandals paint cars red in Hanoi
'Police in the district are investigating this case of vandalism'