On this occasion, reporter of the People’s Army Newspaper had an interview with Viettel FC’s head coach Nguyen Hai Bien.
Reporter: How did you feel when your club gets up to the Nuti Café V-League 1 in 2019?
Coach Nguyen Hai Bien: It is hard to describe my wonderful feelings at the moment. We have been waiting for this moment so long and all members of the club were delighted at our achievements. It is a deserved result for our efforts, meeting supporters’ hopes.
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Viettel FC crowned the Vietnam National Football First League (V-League 2) championship ahead of the last round. |
Reporter: Your team have played bravely to win the championship. What did you award them?
Coach Nguyen Hai Bien: V-League 1 is a stage that many Vietnamese footballers dream of. I could see their determination and endeavor during the season. During the game with Binh Phuoc FC, my team experienced great pressure. But fortunately, they overcame all and beat the rival 2-0. After the game, they were awarded a day-off to reunite with their families and friends. Although my team has claimed the championship, we still have one last game with Hanoi B FC. Thus, I hope my players continue showing their professionalism and determination to win.
Reporter: What is the key factor that leads to the team’s victory?
Coach Nguyen Hai Bien: I always talk to my footballers that there is no star in our team. Every team member has his own talent and role, so they are often asked to do their utmost. The team’s victory results from the solidarity of all members. Furthermore, Viettel FC also has outstanding faces such as Tien Dung, Hoang Duc, Van Thiet, Van Thang, and more. They are good examples for other members to follow.
Reporter: What is the team’s plan for the next V-League 1 season?
Coach Nguyen Hai Bien: As the top professional football league in Vietnam, the V-League 1 is a tough ride of all teams. Teams with many good players, such as Nam Dinh FC or XSKT Can Tho (Can Tho Lottery) FC are fighting relegation hard; thus, Viettel FC has no exception. Our team also has talented and young players but their weakness is the lack of experience. Therefore, our first goal is to win the relegation battle.
Reporter: As scheduled, Viettel FC will be renamed as “The Cong.” Does it mean your team will have domestic players only?
Coach Nguyen Hai Bien: Generally, supporters think that foreign players contribute half of the team’s strength and so it is. In my opinion, Viettel FC needs to recruit both quality domestic and foreign players to survive in the V-League 1. The club’s leadership has also built up a concrete plan for the issue. Let’s wait for better things ahead.
Reporter: Thank you!
Translated by Trung Thanh