Football

Gong Oh-kyun and Hà Nội Police Vice Chairman Trần Văn Hùng at the signing ceremony on November 13 in Hà Nội. VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Gong Oh-kyun expects to build Hà Nội Police a stably strong club during his two-year reign after he was officially named head coach on November 13 in Hà Nội.

Gong came to replace former coach Trần Tiến Đại in late October, but only now has the signing been made official.

“I am excited to work with Hà Nội Police, one of big names in Việt Nam's football community," Gong said at the introduction.

"I am happy to work with players. Hà Nội Police are currently the V.League 1 defending champions. It is home to many national team players, making an impressive, quality team.

"I chose to return to work in Việt Nam to face new challenges. My goal is to help the team earn high results," said Gong who was head coach of the Việt Nam U23 team last year.

Under his reign, the U23s advanced to the quarter-finals of the Asian championship in 2022. After the campaign, Gong did not take charge of any team but spent time for his pro coaching certificate before returning to Việt Nam.

Gong said he believes that the Police were the team has the best plans and direction to grow. The club and Gong both had the same ambitions, he added.

Gong said although he only managed junior teams in the past he was under no pressure but felt comfortable when taking the hot seat at the Police because team stars did not mean much if there was no suitable playing style.

He said he wanted the Police to be united because football was a team sport. It was a story of 11 players on the field and others on the bench.

Gong said: "They will have to become a unified team to move forward. So instead of focusing on a specific position or player, I'm looking for versatile players who can play in many different positions.

"I want the Police to be a stably strong team not just a phenomenon in one season. That's why the pressure to defend the championship is huge." 

The South Korean even set higher target for the national champions.

"I hope to help players develop and the team win more achievement not only in domestic league but also in Asian competitions. I will watch players and rivals and will have suitable exercises and plans for each match. I want Asia know about the Police."

Gong however said it was difficult to say how long it would take reach Asian levels. Players would be under high pressure if they were forced to set a target of one to two years, leading to their unexpected results. He wanted his team to play comfortably.

The details of the contract were not released but it was rumoured that Gong will be paid about US$20,000 per month. In the event of good results, their contract would be extended.

Hà Nội Police players in training. They will be led by a new manager South Korean Gong Oh-kyun. Photo of the Police

Gong's first match in Việt Nam is on November 25 when the Police host former champions Hoàng Anh Gia Lai at the National Cup at Hàng Đẫy Stadium.

His first V.League 1 game will be on December 4's when the Police, currently second with seven points, visit Hải Phòng FC at Lạch Tray. 

The Police won the V.League 1 title in their return to the national premier league after 39 years. 

Gong, 49, started his football career as an amateur forward in Kwandong University. He was called to the national U23 team in 1996 and signed a pro contract with Daejeon FC in 1997.

Playing 266 games for Daejeon in 10 years, he scored 37 goals and 18 assists, making him a club legend.

As a coach, Gong worked with young players of Seoul E-Land FC, South Korean national U17, U18, U20, U23 squads. He also managed Indonesian U20s before coming to Việt Nam in 2022 with the U23 side. VNS