Hải Phòng FC managers ask organisers to delay National Cup match to make sure players are fit. Photo thethao247.vn

HÀ NỘI — Hải Phòng FC has asked the football authorities for the National Cup to be delayed to give them more time for preparation.

The Việt Nam Professional Football announced earlier this month that all national tournaments could be back in mid-May if they get the green light from the authority agencies.

The current plan will see V.League 1 side Hải Phòng will travel to Đồng Tháp Province to face V.League 2 team Đồng Tháp on May 15 in the first round of the National Cup.

But Hải Phòng coaches believed that three weeks is not enough for players to be ready for the game and they may get injuries.

Hải Phòng sent their request to the organisers who have not responded yet.

“Hải Phòng players have been home for weeks. They are from different cities and provinces. Currently, transportation is not easy and they struggle to arrive here for training,” said Lê Xuân Hải, executive director of Hải Phòng.

Hải Phòng players started training on Sunday but some could only join on Monday.

“Players who do not well prepare for elite competition may suffer unexpected injuries and quality of games will also be affected,” he said.

The National Cup will see the participation of 20 teams of both V.League 1 and V.League 2. — VNS