Foreign coaches in V-League: Spanish coach on top, former assistant Mr. Kim at bottom

The 5 foreign coaches in V-League are currently divided into two distinct halves: one group is flying high at the top of the table, the other group is sadly at the bottom.

Foreign coaches dominate V-League

For a long time, V-League has witnessed the overwhelming dominance of domestic coaches. Over the past two decades, only Henrique Calisto ( Long An , 2005 and 2006) and Chun Jae-ho (Hanoi, 2022) are foreign strategists who have enjoyed the feeling of winning the V-League. The formula of domestic coaches winning the V-League, foreign coaches excelling with the national team has been unchanged for many years.

However, the situation is turning around. More and more coaches with good tactics and authority have appeared in the V-League. These foreign coaches are leading strong teams and are favored by the management to put their full trust in building the squad.

The top 3 teams in V-League are all coached by foreign coaches.

PHOTO: VPF

And then, the results have started to come. That is the story of coach Alexandre Polking at Hanoi Police Club (CAHN Club), and coach Velizar Popov at Thanh Hoa (now in charge of Viettel The Cong team). Both are having a good start in V-League 2025 - 2026.

In his first full season in charge, Coach Polking led CAHN to the National Cup, National Super Cup, ASEAN Club Championship silver medal and V-League bronze medal. The Brazilian coach helped CAHN overcome the longest season in history with 39 matches, building a smooth and dedicated attacking style of play.

Right after the 1-2 loss to BG Pathum, Coach Polking and CAHN Club regained their winning streak when they defeated Becamex TP.HCM 3-0 at Go Dau Stadium. With a very strong squad and a solid philosophy, CAHN Club continues to be a candidate for the championship this season.

Coach Popov was also given favorable conditions by The Cong Viettel with 9 new players, all of whom were directly "selected" and brought in by the Bulgarian coach, such as Lucao, Viet Tu, Xuan Tien, Van Viet, Nhat Nam... At The Cong Viettel, Mr. Popov received maximum support, with a long-term contract, time to shape the team and human resources.

Coach Popov is fully supported at The Cong Viettel

PHOTO: MINH TU

In response, the European strategist helped The Cong Viettel win 3-0 against the Ho Chi Minh City Police Club to climb to second place in the table. Last season, Coach Popov did not leave an impression because he only took charge of the last few matches of the season. Now that he has full authority to prepare the squad and play style, let's see what the Bulgarian coach can do.

However, both Mr. Polking (third place) and Mr. Popov (second place) are behind another foreign coach, Gerald Albadalejo, who is at the top of the table with Ninh Binh FC.

The V-League rookie has equipped Mr. Albadalejo with an ideal squad of domestic, foreign and young players. Although he has not yet made a clear mark on his playing style, initially, the Spanish coach is making good use of the star factor to help Ninh Binh FC accelerate impressively.

The sadness of former assistant teacher Kim

Topping the list are 3 foreign coaches, but at the bottom of the list is also... a foreign coach. Saying goodbye to the position of assistant coach Kim Sang-sik in the Vietnam national team, Mr. Choi Won-kwon is taking on a new challenge called Thanh Hoa Club.

However, the Korean coach is under great pressure as Thanh Hoa FC drew 1, lost 1, and is at the bottom of the table. The 0-4 defeat at Ninh Binh FC is a heavy blow to the ambitions of the Thanh team. Although the current force does not allow Thanh Hoa FC to compete for the top position, they cannot fall that low.

Coach Choi Won-kwon (in black shirt) and Thanh Hoa Club are at the bottom of the table.

PHOTO: THANH HOA CLUB

With the frequency of "general" dismissals in the past 5 years (with the rare exception of Coach Popov), Coach Choi Won-kwon probably understands what he is facing at Thanh Hoa Club. Especially when the Thanh Hoa team has not yet shown a clear outline of its playing style or fighting spirit.

Although not at the bottom of the table, coach Makoto Teguramori is also facing pressure, as Hanoi FC only has 1 point after 2 matches, against opponents that the current V-League runner-up should have won.

In the 20th anniversary season of the team, Hanoi FC needs more spirit and a sharper playing philosophy. Coach Teguramori has been given the opportunity to build the squad and perfect the playing style, but time for the Japanese coach is not long.

If he doesn't beat CAHN Club in round 3, Mr. Teguramori's seat will no longer be stable.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thay-ngoai-ov-league-hlv-tay-ban-nha-tren-dinh-cuu-tro-ly-ong-kim-duoi-day-185250825141713516.htm