Coach Popov: “I have no idea who the players the team brought in are or where they came from.”

Thanh Hoa FC finds itself embroiled in controversy following a recent social media post by their head coach, Velizar Popov. The Bulgarian coach took to his personal account to publicly distance himself from the club’s latest signing, South Korean defender Kim Won Sik. In a strongly worded statement, Popov categorically denied having any involvement or prior knowledge of the player’s transfer to the V.League 1 side.

The post, which quickly garnered attention from fans and media alike, reads: “I categorically take no responsibility for signing this player whom I have never seen and never wanted, and who the club brought behind my back without even asking me…” The statement was accompanied by a promotional image of Kim Won Sik donning the Thanh Hoa FC jersey, seemingly in celebration of his arrival at the club.

 

This public declaration by Popov raises significant questions about the internal dynamics at Thanh Hoa FC, particularly regarding the decision-making process for player acquisitions. The assertion that Kim’s signing was done without the coach’s consent or even his awareness suggests a possible rift between Popov and the club’s management. Such a disconnect between the coaching staff and the front office could lead to further complications as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Kim Won Sik, a 34-year-old veteran defender, has had a career spanning various clubs in South Korea and beyond. His arrival at Thanh Hoa FC was initially seen as a move to bolster the club’s defensive options. However, the nature of this transfer, as highlighted by Popov’s comments, now casts a shadow over the player’s potential impact on the team. Fans are left wondering whether this signing will indeed benefit the squad or if it will become a source of tension within the ranks.

The timing of Popov’s post is particularly noteworthy, as it comes just weeks before the start of the V.League 1 season. Thanh Hoa FC had a commendable run in the previous season, and expectations were high for the team to build on that momentum. However, this controversy could serve as a major distraction, affecting the club’s preparations and overall morale.

For Popov, who has been with Thanh Hoa FC since 2021, maintaining authority and ensuring that his vision for the team is respected will be crucial. His public disavowal of Kim Won Sik’s signing is a clear message to the club’s management about the importance of alignment between the coaching staff and the board when it comes to making strategic decisions.

1. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how Thanh Hoa FC’s management responds to this unusual and potentially disruptive episode. Will there be an internal resolution, or could this lead to further instability within the club? The answers to these questions will likely shape the course of the club’s upcoming campaign. For now, both fans and analysts are left speculating on the implications of this public disagreement and what it means for the future of Thanh Hoa FC.