Coach Nguyen Cong Manh: Reunion and challenges at Hong Mountain

VHO - Once a trusted assistant in the early stages of Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club, Coach Nguyen Cong Manh now returns to the role of captain - succeeding his predecessor Thanh Cong and facing many challenges in terms of personnel, expectations of leadership ability.

Reuniting old team in transition period

Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club has just held a ceremony to announce the decision to appoint Mr. Nguyen Cong Manh (born in 1982, from Nghe An ) as Head Coach, replacing Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong who has just resigned after the 2024/2025 season.

It is known that after the season ended, Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong - who helped Hong Linh Ha Tinh finish in 5th place with 36 points, submitted a resignation letter due to health reasons. Immediately after that, the Board of Directors of Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club promoted negotiations and signed a contract with Mr. Nguyen Cong Manh - who is no stranger to the Hong Mountain football team.

Leaders of Hong Linh Ha Tinh Football Joint Stock Company presented the decision to appoint head coach to Mr. Nguyen Cong Manh.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Manh spent nearly 4 years with Hong Linh Ha Tinh (from 2019 to 2023) as an assistant to two head coaches, Pham Minh Duc and Nguyen Thanh Cong. During that time, he left his mark as a dedicated assistant, knowledgeable about the team's internal affairs, and was highly appreciated by experts for his expertise and tactical thinking.

In 2023, he temporarily left the team to attend a professional coaching course (PRO License). After that, he was invited to join the U23 Vietnam coaching staff as an assistant to coach Hoang Anh Tuan. Last season, Mr. Manh tried his hand at the position of head coach of Binh Duong Club but did not leave much of an impression, leaving after 12 matches leading the team at Go Dau Stadium.

Coach Nguyen Cong Manh is expected to create a new wind for Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club in this return.

This time returning to Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Mr. Nguyen Cong Manh is expected to bring a breath of fresh air during a period when the team is experiencing many changes in personnel.

At the launching ceremony, Mr. Tran Quang Thuong - Chairman of Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club expressed his confidence: "The Club's Board of Directors hopes that Coach Nguyen Cong Manh will soon stabilize the team, complete the coaching staff, add necessary personnel and develop a suitable training and competition plan for the new season."

A memorable football career

Coach Nguyen Cong Manh grew up at the famous youth training center Song Lam Nghe An, in the same generation as familiar names such as: Duong Hong Son, Phan Thanh Hoan, Chu Ngoc Canh... In the youth team, he won the National U16 Championship in 1998 and made a "hat-trick" of National U21 Championships in 2000, 2001, 2002.

When he was still playing, Nguyen Cong Manh's best position was attacking midfielder. With his skillful individual skills and creative playing style, he was considered a "grass-field artist" as he always created spontaneous ball handling moves that captivated viewers.

During his football career, Nguyen Cong Manh played for many big clubs such as: Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA, 2 phases), Hoa Phat Ha Noi, Binh Dinh... The most memorable of which was the 2011 V.League championship with SLNA - where he was once attached and left a deep impression.

Coach Nguyen Cong Manh carries the hope of continuing the Hong Mountain dream in V.League (photo: HLHT Club)

After hanging up his boots, he turned to coaching. Starting as an assistant at Hong Linh Ha Tinh in 2019, he gradually accumulated experience, gradually asserting his ability as a coach. Possessing a PRO License coaching certificate and experience at both the club level and the national youth team is the foundation for Mr. Manh to continue conquering challenges in the harsh V.League environment.

However, the challenge for coach Nguyen Cong Manh is not small. In addition to the pressure of succeeding a coach who has made a clear mark, he also has to face the situation of "force loss" when a series of pillars such as: Luong Xuan Truong, Dang Van Tram, Lam Anh Quang, Tran Dinh Tien, Nguyen Van Nhuan and Vu Viet Trieu left the team during the transfer period.

Rebuilding the team, finding quality new players and shaping a suitable playing style will be urgent tasks for the Nghe An coach. His mettle, tactical thinking and ability to inspire will be the deciding factors for success or failure in the new journey with Hong Linh Ha Tinh Club.   

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/hlv-nguyen-cong-manh-tai-ngo-va-thach-thuc-tai-nui-hong-149655.html