Doãn Ngọc Tân praises coach Popov and the former Vietnam national team coach.

Doãn Ngọc Tân was fortunate to work with both coach Popov and coach Choi Won-kwon, and in his opinion, they are both highly skilled professionals.

After three seasons under coach Popov, Doãn Ngọc Tân and his teammates at Thanh Hoá now continue to work with another top strategist, Mr. Choi Won-kwon, who previously served as assistant to coach Kim Sang Sik during Vietnam’s victorious 2024 AFF Cup campaign.

Recently, Doãn Ngọc Tân shared his comparison of the two coaches, noting that while both are talented, each employs different tactical approaches.

“Coach Popov and coach Choi Won-kwon are both highly capable and knowledgeable. Coach Choi implements a different strategy compared to coach Popov, and the whole team is gradually adapting to his playing style,”Doãn Ngọc Tân commented after the 1-1 draw against Da Nang in the opening match of the V-League.

Currently, coach Popov has moved to work with Thể Công - Viettel. After a winless streak of over ten matches last season, the Bulgarian coach and Thanh Hoá parted ways amicably. He took a break before accepting the role at Thể Công - Viettel. In the V-League opener, coach Popov’s team drew 1-1 with CAHN.

Regarding coach Choi Won-kwon, he was born in 1981 and is a former South Korean national team player. After ending his playing career, he transitioned into coaching. In 2022, Choi Won Kwon became the head coach of Daegu FC, a club he had previously played for in 2014. However, after a few unsuccessful seasons, he decided to leave the Korean club.

During coach Choi Won Kwon’s tenure, Daegu FC was known for its disciplined, solid, and well-organized defensive style. This approach aligns well with Thanh Hoá FC, a team that values collective spirit and does not rely on star players.

With his considerable understanding of Vietnamese football gained as an assistant to the national team, coach Choi Won Kwon is expected to help Thanh Hoá FC become a dark horse in the league, much like during coach Popov’s era.

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