Football

Coaches Bozidar Bandovic (right) and Chu Đình Nghiêm shake hands during the press conference of the 2022 Super Cup match. The match will be held on January 29 at Hà Nội's Hàng Đẫy Stadium. — Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI — New Hà Nội FC head coach Bozidar Bandovic faces a challenging debut in Việt Nam as he leads his team against Hải Phòng in the National Super Cup match on January 29 at the Hàng Đẫy Stadium in Hà Nội.

As Hà Nội secured both the V.League 1 and National Cup title, their rival in the super cup, which is the opening game of the 2023 season, is the V.League 1 runner-up Hải Phòng, making a northern derby.

Although the Montenegrin coach has been in Hà Nội for several weeks, he has spent time researching Hải Phòng, who he described as a big challenge.

"Hải Phòng's coach (Chu Đình) Nghiêm took charge of Hà Nội in the past; he clearly knows the team. My job is to learn and analyse his tactics so that I can build a suitable plan for competing with Hải Phòng in the coming match," said Bandovic.

"We are missing a few players away on international duty. We only have ten days together before the game. I have to find a good plan to perfect the team," he said.

Speaking at the press conference on January 11, coach Nghiêm said Hải Phòng had both advantages and disadvantages in the coming match.

"The lack of players of Hà Nội in preparation will be their weak point. When the national players come back, they may not have enough time to integrate with the team who have worked with a new coach for weeks," said Nghiêm.

"But Hà Nội are a strong team with experienced players who have played together for a long time. Players' quality and understanding will help them quickly fulfil the shortage."

Hà Nội have recently ended its contracts with several key players. Nghiêm said national defender Đoàn Văn Hậu's going away would be a big loss for the champions, but they will have strong local support in the match.

Nghiêm, who was voted the best coach of 2022, said Hải Phòng will do their best, and if they were lucky enough, they will win the trophy.

The winner will take the trophy and a cash VNĐ300 million (US$12,800) bonus. — Photo of organisers

"Hải Phòng also ended relationships with some players, but our newcomers have integrated well with the team. Hope that they will understand my football philosophy and play well for the new home," said Nghiêm.

The winner will walk away with VNĐ300 million (US$12,800), while the loser will take VNĐ200 million ($8,600).

Players who scored the opening goal and MVP of the match will receive VNĐ10 million ($430) each.

The Super Cup, launched by Tiền Phong newspaper, was first organised in 1999. After 22 years, Hà Nội, Sông Lam Nghệ An and Becamex Bình Dương have won most with four times.

Hà Nội won in 2010, 2018, 2019 and 2020. A win on January 29 will push them to the top among Super Cup winners.

Meanwhile, it would be a second win for Hải Phòng after their first in 2005. — VNS