Thanh Hóa train for the upcoming match with Nam Định at the National Super Cup on Saturday. — Photos tienphong.vn

Football

THANH HÓA — Thanh Hóa Club have the chance to win the National Super Cup and boost the region's footballing legacy too.

The entire team are determined and are putting in hours of training in preparation for the upcoming match against Nam Định at Thiên Trường Stadium on Saturday.

Thanh Hóa’s CEO, Cao Hoàng Đức, said that participating in the National Super Cup is highly significant, not only for the club but also for the entire province, which is populous and rich in sports yet has not achieved many successes in football. Winning the cup would provide a substantial boost for the development of Thanh Hóa's football movement.

Coach Velizar Popov expressed complete satisfaction with his players, noting their understanding of his philosophy and adherence to tactical discipline as they prepare for the match.

“Thanh Hóa are very confident going into the National Super Cup. When the title is decided in one match, my club perform exceptionally well in these situations,” Popov said.

“Thanh Hóa will give it their all to win. We have prepared thoroughly and all starting players are fit and in good form.”

King of Cups

In the past two seasons, Thanh Hóa may not have excelled in the V.League 1, finishing fourth and ninth, but they have been outstanding in cup competitions, securing three titles (two National Cups and one National Super Cup), more than any other team during this period.

Thanh Hóa have shown two forms.

Struggling in the V.League 1 while revealing their best qualities in the National Super Cup. Last year at Hàng Đẫy Stadium, they stunned Hà Nội Police, winning 3-1 despite facing top players on the other side. Their strategic play and effective attacking left the Hanoian team with few opportunities.

Then they successfully defended their championship in the 2023/24 National Cup.

Coach Velizar Popov of Thanh Hóa.

Before Coach Popov's arrival, the club, founded in 1962, had only one title on their shelf, the 2009 National Super Cup. However, in the past two seasons alone, they have brought home three trophies.

According to Popov, the key to their success lies in: "The players’ adherence to the plan, tactical discipline and their approach to the game. The dynamics of cup matches differ significantly from those in the V.League 1.

“In the V.League 1, a loss isn’t catastrophic because there are more opportunities. But in cup matches, everything hinges on one game. If you lose, you’re out,” he explained.

Despite their modest resources and fewer top players, Thanh Hóa employ a style characterised by ball control, continuous movement and pressing forward, which can exhaust players and increase injury risk. This explains why the team sometimes struggle in the second half of the national league.

Nonetheless, as Coach Popov noted, everything is decisive in cup matches. Thanh Hóa bring their best, from personnel to tactics and warrior spirit. The fighting spirit and resilience have become integral to the team's identity and under Popov's leadership, this spirit has been further ignited.

In some ways, Popov is quite similar to Jose Mourinho.

Popov likes to create a 'siege mentality', through arguments, attacks on referees, tournament organisers or skipping press conferences, making the players feel like everyone is against the team.

This is quite effective in crucial cup matches, motivating players to enter the field with the highest determination, ready to do everything to seek victory. In the last three matches of the 2023/2024 National Cup, Thanh Hóa received 14 yellow cards, including two cards for Popov.

As they approach the 2023/2024 National Super Cup match, Thanh Hóa will certainly enter with high spirits. While Nam Định are a strong team and playing at home, Thanh Hóa are determined to give it their all to secure victory. VNS