Hanoi, 11 June, 2025 – At midday on June 11, technical director Nguyen Duc Thang officially parted ways with The Cong – Viettel FC, marking the end of a chapter filled with pride and legacy for the former player and coach of the military club.
The departure had been set in motion earlier this season. On April 26, just one day after The Cong Viettel edged past Song Lam Nghe An 1-0 at Hang Day Stadium thanks to a penalty by Pedro, Nguyen Duc Thang unexpectedly resigned. Both sides mutually agreed to terminate the contract. The next day, the club appointed Bulgarian coach Velizar Popov as his replacement.
Speaking to the media, Thang acknowledged that his decision stemmed from the team’s underwhelming performance in the second phase of the season. “The Cong Viettel needs fresh direction to aim for better results moving forward,” he stated. “I hope the team will thrive under the new head coach. Personally, I’m proud to have served the club both as a coach and a former player.”
Thang later confirmed his farewell in an emotional post on his personal Facebook page. He expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, players, and staff at the club:
“I thought long and hard before saying goodbye to my old teammates, staff, and players. I’ve always been proud to serve The Cong, both on the pitch and on the sideline. Even though I returned during a challenging time, we fought together and overcame many difficulties. That alone makes this return meaningful and fulfilling.”
He added: “Now, with the season nearing its end, and the club stabilizing, I’ve once again chosen to step aside—just like I did 14 years ago. I wish everyone at The Cong Viettel health, happiness, and even more success.”
Born in 1976 in Hanoi, Nguyen Duc Thang is a former The Cong player and Vietnam international. He began his coaching career at Sai Gon FC, leading them to a V.League 2 title in 2015. He also managed Thanh Hoa and Binh Dinh, before returning to Viettel at the start of the 2024 season.
Under his guidance, The Cong Viettel finished fifth in the 2023/2024 campaign. Beyond his accomplishments at the senior level, Thang is also widely recognized as the mentor of Vietnam’s golden generation, having coached young talents like Quang Hai and Dinh Trong during their early days at Hanoi’s youth academy.
His departure closes a meaningful chapter with the club he once represented with pride—both as a soldier on the field and a leader on the sidelines.
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