Nguyen Van Sy doesn’t have a lot of experience in coach ing. Now that he is officially the manager, his duty is to push the club to the V-League. Somehow the 38-year-old is confident he will achieve success, despite his inexperience.

It is said that you have won the hearts of every player. Do you think that is the reason you helped Ninh Binh to victory in the first match under your management?

I took charge of the team only two days before the match. The time is limited, not enough to change anything about a player’s capacity and technique. I mostly took over what coach Doan Minh Xuong left.

The important thing is the players’ spirit. I and my players were determined that it was an important game and we needed a win to clear away worries.

We played the game against Huda Hue city as if it were a finals match, and we won. The victory not only gave us three points but helped us get past the heavy pressure.

It is also said Ninh Binh is “unlucky land”, with one managing director and two coaches having been fired. Why are you here?

When I came to the club I felt the “belief” of the officials and I also thought it was place that suited me, so I stayed.

It would be difficult for people who are afraid of working in the “fierce land” of football. I am a pre-emptory person so I wanted to settle in a place where I could prove my ability. The more pressure I suffer, the greater the success I will achieve.

What is the difference between the two times you have been manager?

It is the pressure. Last year was a time when Ninh Binh didn’t have the chance to go up to V-League, so we eased our play. But now there are only five rounds and the chance is there for us, so we must win this race.

Apart from the pressure, players’ skills and physiques are my worries. We have not prepared well for this tournament. My players did not have much time to practise with each other for different reasons and it has resulted in a reduction in physical strength and poor tactics.

But I have been working in Ninh Binh for years so I know clearly my players’ capacity, habits and nature. But the team also has experienced players who have made their names in both V-League and the First Division. They come from different localities but they unite and behave professionally. It is a good environment for us to build a good team.

What are your biggest difficulties now?

We are faced with a shortage of manpower. Some of my players are not able to play for the team because they still have problems over contracts with their former teams. Some others have been injured and were sidelined. These problems make us a weak team. Of course it is not easy and we need time to solve these problems.

However, Ninh Binh is also a team with a big aspiration to win. The team leaders always orient us towards a higher target. I must also set myself a goal to reach and strive for.

You seem very confident?

Yes, I am. I believe in myself and my players. Confidence is something that in my opinion everyone needs to be successful. Our confidence is based on our real power and determination.

The First Division league this season has four or five rivals competing for two official promotion tickets to V-League. They will make the race more aggressive and we will meet many challenges.

As one of the younger generation coaches, do you think about working abroad?

I have not thought about this, although I always try to perfect myself.

Honestly, I think Viet Nam has a net import of football experts and trainers. Thailand managers can come to work here, so why can’t we work in their country. The problem is when will it happen and who will be the first one. Because of the strong development movement in the sport, I believe the day will come soon.

VietNamNet/VNS