Thanh Hoa Club 9 matches without a win, coach Popov criticized the referee again

After the draw with Ha Tinh on the evening of February 28, coach Velizar Popov questioned some of the referee's decisions. The Bulgarian coach said that Thanh Hoa team was often at a disadvantage in the decisions to award or not award penalties.

"There were many matches where we performed well but there was no fairness. We don't need help or favoritism, just fairness," Mr. Popov said at a press conference, citing a number of situations where he believed his team was unfairly treated.

According to this coach, there was a case where a Thanh Hoa player dribbled the ball close to the penalty area but had to stop because the referee did not allow an advantage (allowing the situation to continue when the team that was fouled had the ball in a favorable position). Mr. Popov also said that the referee ignored many situations where Ha Tinh players fouled Vo Nguyen Hoang.

Thanh Hoa Club (yellow shirt) drew 0-0 with Ha Tinh.

"I can sit down with the referees to analyze today's match, whether the situations on the field were right or wrong. In case I am wrong, I accept that I could be punished," said coach Popov.

Regarding the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) admitting the referee's mistake in the match against Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Popov said: "I don't need them to apologize, who will give Thanh Hoa back 2 points?"

In the match against Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa FC only earned 1 point when both teams failed to score. The 0-0 draw marked a streak of 9 consecutive matches of draws and losses for the Thanh team.

"Thanh Hoa still lacks many things to be able to compete in the top 6. We cannot compare with Nam Dinh , The Cong Viettel or Hanoi in terms of economic potential, personnel, and force to continuously rotate the squad.

Our goal is not to be relegated. Until now, I think this is still my best season in 3 years leading the team, " said coach Popov.

Phuong Mai

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/club-thanh-hoa-9-tran-khong-thang-hlv-popov-lai-chi-trich-trong-tai-ar928936.html