Vietnamese football will miss the artistry and ferocity of the monster Popov.

From a hundred-page plan to coach Popov's achievements

Coach Velizar Popov's journey with Thanh Hoa Club ended yesterday (March 5). Immediately after the defeat against Hai Phong in the round of 16 of the National Cup on the evening of March 4, through which Thanh Hoa officially became the former champion, Mr. Popov submitted his resignation.

The Bulgarian coach said goodbye to his students on the training ground. He hugged each player, thanked them for their 3 years of association and wished them luck on the upcoming journey.

Coach Popov hugs each student goodbye

Thanh Hoa FC has changed a lot compared to before Mr. Popov's presence. 3 years ago, the Thanh Hoa team was just a mid-level team, struggling to avoid relegation after a business withdrew its capital.

Coach Popov came to Thanh Hoa Club in that context. The day he appeared, the impression of most experts about Popov was a strategist with an appearance... "as fierce as Truong Phi", decisive and hot-tempered.

Mr. Popov coached Myanmar U.23 to win the bronze medal at the 2019 SEA Games and will face Vietnam U.23 in 2022. The Bulgarian coach was ready to scold someone for "not understanding anything about football" when asked if he was disappointed when Myanmar U.23 was eliminated in the group stage.

It was the first time people saw Popov's temperament. However, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Few people know that before joining Thanh Hoa FC, Coach Popov sent a thick document, pointing out the shortcomings of the Thanh Hoa team and how to overcome them. He carefully researched Thanh Hoa FC. He did not come here for adventure. But to conquer.

A small detail, but it shows another side of Coach Popov that experts don't often mention. He is good at his job, works with all his heart and is not afraid to sacrifice himself to protect the team.

Coach Popov is hot-tempered, but has a strong sense of responsibility.

When he first arrived at Thanh Hoa Club, Coach Popov made his players... exhausted with very heavy physical exercises. He understood that, with a team without stars, the only way to win was to run more, collide harder and have more desire than any opponent.

Popov's coaching style makes players skeptical. However, he himself affirmed: if Thanh Hoa FC loses the match, he will leave. A player confided that the more he trains with Coach Popov, the more he enjoys it, because every word and every gesture of the Bulgarian strategist on the training ground is full of information. The players understand that they are improving every day. The value of trust has helped Coach Popov build a fighting team, winning 3 titles in just 2 years.

Hot inside, hot outside... also hot

One of the last marks that coach Popov left at Thanh Hoa Club was a red card in the 2-2 draw with Ho Chi Minh City Club in round 12 of V-League 2024 - 2025.

With 2 fouls in the first half, Mr. Popov was given 2 yellow cards by referee Le Vu Linh and was dismissed from the coaching position. Insiders told Thanh Nien Newspaper that in the tunnel leaving the field, the Bulgarian coach was angry with the referee, and said that football must be like that, must be full of emotions, must have reactions to relieve tension.

Mr. Popov received trust from his students.

Anger is... a trademark of Coach Popov, but it will never be what defines him. Because for those who love or hate the way the "captain" of Thanh Hoa Club reacts, everyone admits that Mr. Popov is very classy.

In the context of Vietnamese football, there is no shortage of serious and exemplary strategists. It is not easy to find a unique personality like Popov: easily happy, easily sad, rustic and very "real". He lives in his own world, has a unique color that cannot be mixed with anyone else. Thanks to people like that, football becomes interesting and worth watching.

Most importantly, whether angry or calm, Coach Popov always tries his best for Thanh Hoa Club. He is not afraid to fight for the rights of the players and the team, even if it means being hated. That solidarity is as warm as the hug the Bulgarian coach gives his students on the day of farewell.

There is meeting, there is parting. Coach Popov has left indelible footprints on Thanh Hoa football land.

Coach Popov may stay in V-League

Although he has left Thanh Hoa Club, Coach Popov may continue to play in the V-League. He has been on the radar of many strong teams, including the current champion Nam Dinh. Coach Popov will spend time with his family and recharge his batteries before making his next decision.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bong-da-viet-nam-se-nho-chat-nghe-va-ca-su-du-doi-cua-quai-kiet-popov-185250306075120787.htm