Thanh Hoa Club 'Warrior' reveals coach Popov's advice before joining the national team

At the age of 30, midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan made his debut for the Vietnamese national team when coach Kim Sang-sik included him in the training squad in South Korea. The player, born in 1994, previously played for Hai Phong FC before moving to Thanh Hoa FC and becoming a key player. This season, Ngoc Tan has appeared in 7 out of the first 8 rounds of the V-League, playing the full 90 minutes in 6 of those matches.

Ngoc Tan's excellent physical condition, passionate playing style, and good tactical thinking earned him a chance from coach Kim Sang-sik. Speaking before the training session on November 22nd, the 1994-born player revealed the advice coach Velizar Popov gave him before joining the national team.

Doan Ngoc Tan makes his debut for the Vietnamese national team.

"This is my first time on the national team, so I'm a little nervous, but I have to try to adapt gradually. Coach Popov told me to try my best and fight as hard as I did at Thanh Hoa Club," Ngoc Tan told the press.

According to midfielder Ngoc Tan, he has watched many matches of the Vietnamese national team under coach Kim Sang-sik. The Thanh Hoa FC player believes he is suited to playing in midfield, but he must adapt and compete to have any hope of being selected.

"When I found out I was called up, I was both happy and surprised. I promised myself I would try my best to prepare well, adapt to the playing style and formation set by the coach. I asked Thai Son for some advice, because he had been called up to the Vietnamese national team many times before. I always try to integrate as best as possible. The members of the Vietnamese national team are also very friendly and encourage me to adapt well to the team," Ngoc Tan emphasized.

Sharing his thoughts on the nickname "the man with no lungs" given to him by his teammates in the V-League, Ngoc Tan said that besides physical fitness, he also has the ability to observe and anticipate situations. "I have physical fitness and enthusiasm. Another strength is reading situations in the match, playing in a way that suits the opponent's tactics to achieve the highest effectiveness," Ngoc Tan affirmed.

Ngoc Tan will compete with Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Chau Ngoc Quang, Nguyen Thai Son, and Le Pham Thanh Long for a starting spot in the national team. The race for the midfield will be very interesting, as coach Kim Sang-sik has opened the door to everyone.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-binh-clb-thanh-hoa-tiet-lo-loi-dan-cua-hlv-popov-truc-ngay-len-doi-tuyen-18524112212042301.htm