Football

Hà Nội Police players in a training session. The Police will host Buriram United in the Group B's opener of the ASEAN Club Championship on August 22 in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of Hà Nội Police

HÀ NỘI — Mano Polking wanted three points in his first official match with Hà Nội Police FC which will host Buriram United in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup 2024's Group B opener on August 22 at the Hà Nội's Hàng Đẫy Stadium.

Speaking with reporters at the press briefing the Brazilian manager said it was the first time that the Police taking part in a regional competition where they would play strong rivals.

It would be an opportunity for players to learn from them and sharpen their competitiveness.

In Group B, Buriram and the Police are considered two candidates for the top ranking place. Other teams are Kuala Lumpur City (Malaysia); Borneo Samarinda (Indonesia); Kaya FC (the Philippines) and Lion City Sailors (Singapore).

While the Police are the 2023 V.League 1 champions, Buriram are also among leading teams in Thailand. They have won 10 titles and four silvers of the local premier league along with six FA Cups and 8 League Cups.

Coach Mano Polking of Hà Nội Police attends a pre-match press briefing on August 21. — Photo toquoc.vn

However, Polking used to work in Thailand as the national head coach for two years in 2021-23 in addition to his job as coach assistant and club manager in different period since 2012.

Polking said Buriram were strong with quality players but the Police were also home to national stars such as midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải, defenders Vũ Văn Thanh and Bùi Hoàng Việt Anh and striker Phan Văn Đức.

In preparation for the new season Polking has brought home many new signings such as defenders Trần Đình Trọng and Jason Quang Vinh Pendant; centre-back Domingo Hugo Gomes; midfielder Vitor Hugo Rosa Nacismento; and strikers Alan Sebasto Alexandre and Artur De Melo Leonardo.

"Players of both two sides have faced each other many times as they are members of the national teams competing in regional championships. I am confident that my good players are strong enough to make an impressive performance tomorrow," said Polking.

"The Police will give its best in this match to have a good beginning at the tournament."

Midfielder Hải agreed with his coach and added that the Police spent months practising for the tournament and the first match against Buriram. He said the Police respect strong Buriram but hoped to have positive result on home ground.

On the visiting side, coach Osmar Loss was excited competing in the first ever club championship of the ASEAN area.

But he admitted that he had not had any review of the hosts' power meanwhile he would have not important player Theerathon Bunmathan in this match. The defender's injury prevents him from traveling to Việt Nam.

He said Bunmathan's absence was big blow for Buriram United but he believed to have suitable substitute who could manage the mission.

Meanwhile winger Sasalak Haiprakhon expressed his worry as Polking knew clearly about his side's playing style and he would use his experience to help the Police winning.

He said working with Polking was great as he well understood Thai football which was the Police's advantage in the upcoming meet. So he would have to try harder than ever to save Buriram. — VNS