Coach Popov, why the 'heated' reaction!

A hot heart and a hot head.

Coach Popov's strong personality helped boost the morale of the Thanh Hoa players, leading to some successes (winning the National Cup for two consecutive years in the 2023 and 2024 seasons). However, when his personality flared up, the intensity on the field and his hot temper led to uncontrolled reactions, causing significant disadvantages for Coach Popov and damage to the Thanh Hoa team itself...

Coach Popov was known for his hot temper.

In Round 8 of the V-League 2024-2025, Thanh Hoa FC secured an impressive 2-1 victory against The Cong Viettel at Hang Day Stadium to take the top spot in the standings, surpassing other promising teams such as Nam Dinh FC, The Cong Viettel FC, CAHN FC, Hanoi FC, etc. Following that, in Round 9, the team continued their winning streak against Da Nang FC, further solidifying their lead with 20 points.

However, the Thanh Hoa team began to falter and gradually lost their top spot from this point onwards. From round 9 (November 20, 2024) until now, Coach Popov's team has only earned 5 points with 5 draws, 1 loss (against bottom-of-the-table Quang Nam FC), and has yet to win a single match (9 winless games across all competitions). This disappointing run of results caused Thanh Hoa FC to lose their top spot in the league table, allowing Nam Dinh FC to pull ahead by 5 points after round 15, and their rivals catching up in points.

Highlights of Ha Tinh FC 0-0 Thanh Hoa FC | Round 15 V-League 2024-2025

During the period when Thanh Hoa FC extended their winless streak, the team faced turmoil, stemming from coach Popov's unrestrained reactions on the sidelines. This culminated in the red card he received in round 13, resulting in a one-match touchline ban.

Coach Popov frequently repeated his reactions directed at the referee.

In their very first match serving their suspension, Dong A Thanh Hoa suffered a painful defeat against Quang Nam – a team currently at the bottom of the table. And in the subsequent rematch at Thanh Hoa Stadium, Coach Popov's team narrowly avoided a draw in injury time against Quang Nam. Clearly, Coach Popov's unrestrained and unsportsmanlike behavior has led to disappointing results for his team, making it difficult to maintain a top 3 or even top 5 position.

Mr. Popov needs to change.

Reactions are always a part of football, but appropriate reactions are what matter. Coach Popov has the right to react, but football fans can easily see that his level of reaction is escalating each season. Whenever Thanh Hoa team draws or loses, this recurring pattern reappears, leaving an unflattering image of the man called "coach" (criticizing referees, reacting by kicking a water bottle, most recently after the draw with Ha Tinh in round 15, he gave an interview with a heated temper, showing signs of losing control of his emotions, etc.).

Coach Popov and his typical reactions on the field.

Because of his strong personality and fiery temper, Coach Popov has been reprimanded countless times, receiving yellow cards or even disciplinary action. The heavy losses from these penalties seem insufficient for Coach Popov; the saying "talent often comes with misfortune" perfectly describes him. And when will Coach Popov's temper finally subside? Probably only when he wins...

Mr. Popov risks being penalized after round 15 for his heated remarks.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-popov-sao-phai-nong-185250302133710614.htm