Thanh Hoa – Thanh Hoa FC has parted ways with head coach Velizar Popov and is poised to introduce a new foreign manager, with an official unveiling ceremony scheduled for next week. The club issued invitations, signed by chairman Cao Tien Doan, to select media outlets for the “Introduction Ceremony of the New Head Coach” at 10:30 a.m. on March 24. The move signals a swift transition after Popov’s exit, with assistant coach Mai Xuan Hop temporarily steering the team, including in their recent match against Hoang Anh Gia Lai.
Sources indicate that Thanh Hoa has tapped Tomislav Steinbrückner, a 1966-born Croatian-German tactician, to take the helm. Steinbrückner, a former midfielder, brings experience from his stint with Malaysia’s Terengganu FC, where he secured runner-up finishes in the 2023 Malaysia Charity Shield and Malaysia Cup. His familiarity with Thanh Hoa stems from a memorable encounter in the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship group stage, when his Terengganu side led 2-0 only for Thanh Hoa to claw back a 2-2 draw. Steinbrückner departed Terengganu in October 2024, paving the way for this new chapter.
The club’s decision to opt for a foreign coach over promoting Hop full-time reflects their ambition to elevate their V.League standing. Currently fourth with 26 points after 16 matches, Thanh Hoa trails leaders Nam Dinh by five points. The target for Steinbrückner is clear: secure a top-three finish in the 2024/25 V.League season. While the championship remains mathematically within reach, the new coach’s immediate task is to close the gap and maintain momentum in a competitive field.
Steinbrückner’s tactical acumen and regional experience make him a promising fit. “He knows Southeast Asian football and has faced us before,” a club insider noted. “That 2-2 draw showed he can adapt, but also that we can challenge him.” Fans are eager to see how the German-Croatian manager will shape a squad boasting talents like those who stunned Terengganu. The March 24 ceremony at Thanh Hoa’s headquarters will mark the official start of his tenure, with expectations high for a turnaround.
As the club prepares to welcome Steinbrückner, the focus shifts to his debut match and the push for a podium spot. With nine rounds left, Thanh Hoa’s top-three goal is ambitious but achievable—a challenge the new boss is ready to tackle.
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