Hanoi, 1 Nov 2026 – Velizar Popov has issued an emotional farewell message following his departure from The Cong Viettel, accepting responsibility for the club’s disappointing start to the 2026/27 season while reflecting on the achievements of his 18-month tenure.
The Bulgarian coach parted ways with The Cong Viettel after a 3-1 defeat to Nam Dinh in Round 6 of V.League 1 extended the team’s winless streak to eight matches across all competitions.
Having entered the season as potential title contenders, The Cong Viettel have instead found themselves near the relegation places, a dramatic decline from their impressive performances under Popov last season.
The disappointing results ultimately prompted the club to end its association with the former Thanh Hoa head coach.
Following his departure, Popov published a lengthy statement on his personal social media account, thanking the club’s management, players, coaching staff and supporters while reflecting on his time with the team.
“In football, as in life, every beginning has an end,” Popov wrote.
“However, when the good moments far outweigh the disappointments, a farewell, whether sooner or later, comes with the feeling of someone who has fulfilled their responsibilities and can look back on the journey with peace of mind.”
Despite failing to secure a league title, Popov described his time at The Cong Viettel as one of the happiest periods of his coaching career.
“The past year and a half will always remain one of the happiest periods of my coaching career,” he continued.
“Although we could not win the championship, finishing as runners-up and earning the silver medal came alongside several historic milestones for the club.”
During his tenure, The Cong Viettel recorded their highest points total in a single season, scored in 38 consecutive competitive matches and established the league’s strongest defensive record, including the most clean sheets.
The team also secured qualification for the AFC Champions League Two, returning to continental competition after an impressive domestic campaign.
Popov regarded those achievements as particularly meaningful given the financial strength of several competing clubs.
He also expressed appreciation for the working environment provided by The Cong Viettel, praising the club’s professional management, technical staff, medical team and players.
“The Cong Viettel gave me everything a coach could dream of: excellent working conditions, professional management, freedom in technical matters, wonderful assistants and medical staff, talented players with an admirable work ethic, and special supporters who always gave me unconditional support, even during the most difficult moments,” he wrote.
The 49-year-old coach also acknowledged his responsibility for the team’s struggles this season.
“With that sense of responsibility, I must take full responsibility and accept the consequences of the mistakes I made, mistakes that led to the team’s unsuccessful start to this season,” Popov stated.
“However, I make this decision with the firm belief that I always gave my maximum effort and dedicated everything I had to the club.”
Popov explained that he had consistently sought to protect his players from external criticism, taking responsibility for difficult situations to allow the squad to concentrate on football.
He also recalled the effort required to guide The Cong Viettel to second place in V.League 1 and secure their return to continental competition.
“Only I, the people who worked alongside me and those within the club truly understand how those achievements were accomplished, through tremendous effort, exhausting days of work and countless sleepless nights,” he wrote.
The former Thanh Hoa coach concluded his farewell by expressing gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his time at The Cong Viettel.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who accompanied the club and the team: the players, coaching staff, medical team, management and all the supporters,” he said.
“You will always remain in my heart and among my most beautiful memories. I will continue to follow and support The Cong Viettel, and I wish the club the very best of luck and continued success in the future.”
Popov’s departure brings an end to a tenure that combined significant progress last season with a difficult opening to the current campaign.
For The Cong Viettel, the immediate challenge will be to reverse their poor form and restore confidence as they attempt to climb the V.League 1 standings and revive their AFC Champions League Two campaign.
Although his time at the club ended following a disappointing run of results, Popov leaves behind a record that includes a league runners-up finish, several club milestones and a return to Asian competition.
VSN/RPT
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