Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc: 'I am confident in taking the role of head coach for the Vietnam women's national team'

New coach Hoàng Văn Phúc affirmed that pressure is a common aspect of coaching work. Supported by his predecessor Mai Đức Chung and the assistant staff, he is confident in helping the Vietnam women's national football team continue to reap achievements.

"This is my honor! I would like to express my gratitude to Coach Mai Đức Chung, the mentor and predecessor who built a solid foundation of success for Vietnamese women's football.

The ticket to the 2023 World Cup serves as motivation for me and the women's team to aim for new goals. During over a year as an assistant for the women's team, at tournaments like the 2026 Asian Cup and SEA Games 33, I have gained insight into the distinctive identity of the Vietnam women's national team as well as the capabilities of the players.

We will focus on leveraging the experience of key players and the vitality of new talents, maintaining stability, adopting a disciplined and modern playing style, and dedicating ourselves in each match and tournament. From now until the end of 2026, the women's national football team will prepare for ASIAD 20 in Japan and then for SEA Games 34 the following year.

With the support of VFF, sponsors, media, and fans, the Vietnam women's national team will strive to maintain a high position in Asia, win the SEA Games gold medal, and enhance competitiveness at ASIAD and the World Cup," Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc shared his feelings at the contract signing ceremony announcing the head coach of the Vietnam women's national football team held this morning, April 17.

Regarding long-term plans for the work intended with the Vietnam women's national football team, Mr. Phúc said: "Coach Mai Đức Chung is a legend of Vietnamese women's football, having a long history with the women's team by leading them to the 2023 World Cup and winning four SEA Games gold medals. I feel pressure, but that is normal in the coaching profession. I have spent two years as an assistant for the women's team, able to learn from experience and observe Mr. Chung's working methods. I also have many years of coaching experience.

I am confident in taking on this role. The coaching staff has and will continue to support me greatly. Mr. Chung will also advise me in this role. I was also a player for the Railway Directorate, personally instructed by Coach Mai Đức Chung. Mr. Chung is passionate about the profession, understanding, and has helped me in my later coaching work. I hope Mr. Chung along with Mr. Nguyễn Sỹ Hiển will provide support to help the women's team achieve a worthy succession and bring glory to Vietnamese women's football.

I have 40 years of experience in football, so I possess the expertise to work effectively. I also recognize the earnestness and eagerness to learn within the women's team. I will analyze matches and handle psychological preparation for competition. The psychological aspect of female players is slightly weaker than male players. Additionally, in women's football, quick transitions and attacks are very important. I will focus on maintaining the team's professional strengths. The players always work very hard, which is an advantage.

Thai Nguyen Club has begun using overseas Vietnamese players, previously done by Ho Chi Minh City women's team. Hopefully in the future, overseas Vietnamese women will wear the jersey of the Vietnam women's national team.

I will watch the National Cup and the women's national championship to select players. The door to the women's team is always open to choose those with the right qualities. Thai Nguyen Club has started using overseas Vietnamese players, previously by Ho Chi Minh City women's team. Hopefully in the future, overseas Vietnamese women will represent the Vietnam women's national team."

Coach Hoàng Văn Phúc officially assumes the position of head coach of the Vietnam women's national football team from May 1, 2026 to September 2027, concluding with SEA Games 34 held in Malaysia.

Mr. Phúc is the 11th person to lead the Vietnam women's national team, including interim coaches. Domestic coaches include Trần Thanh Ngữ, Nguyễn Kim Thành, Mai Đức Chung, Trần Ngọc Thái Tuấn, Ngô Lê Bằng, Vũ Bá Đông. Foreign coaches are Rainer Willfeld (Germany), Steve Darby (England), Trần Vân Phát (China), and Takashi Norimatsu (Japan).