Thanh Hoa FC is set to face Svay Rieng in a pivotal match on January 22 as part of the fourth group-stage round of the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League Two. This match is crucial for head coach Velizar Popov and his squad as they aim to secure a favorable position in the competition.
Ahead of the match, Thanh Hoa’s key player Doan Ngoc Tan expressed confidence in their preparation. Speaking to the media, Tan stated, “The coaching staff and my teammates have prepared thoroughly for tomorrow’s game. We will give our all to secure a victory.”
Despite the demanding schedule, Tan shared his efforts to maintain peak performance. “Since early December, I have played over 10 matches for both the national team and the club, with a very tight schedule. Though I feel fatigued, I try to maintain a proper diet, rest, and recovery routine to perform at my best and contribute positively to the team,” he added.
Head coach Velizar Popov also addressed the media, emphasizing the challenges his team faces. “We have maintained consistent preparation across competitions, from the V-League to this tournament. However, we are dealing with a few issues, including injuries to 3-4 players. Additionally, we are rotating the squad and giving opportunities to younger players,” he explained.
Popov highlighted the limitations of their squad depth. “This is undoubtedly a significant challenge. We prepare meticulously for every match, but our squad lacks the depth to rotate quality players effectively. Several young players are in the lineup, while some key players are injured and unable to participate. In recent matches, we’ve used only two or three foreign players on the field due to injuries or registration delays for this tournament,” he noted.
Commenting on Ngoc Tan, Popov expressed concerns over the player’s workload. “I hope Tan avoids unnecessary injuries as he is playing under a very intense schedule. Our team currently faces difficulties because we lack enough quality players to rotate, forcing us to rely heavily on him.”
Discussing their Cambodian opponents, Popov praised Svay Rieng’s capabilities. “I’ve coached against Cambodian teams before during my tenure with U23 Myanmar and at the national level. Cambodian footballers are technically skilled and have several strengths. Svay Rieng’s squad includes many national team players and three high-quality foreign players. I would say their level is comparable to ours,” he stated.
The Thanh Hoa vs. Svay Rieng match will kick off at 6:00 PM on January 22, promising an intense battle as both teams vie for advancement in the tournament.
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