Vietnam coach Nguyen Huu Thang hints at resignation after semi-final defeat

Vietnam national team manager Nguyen Huu Thang said he might consider stepping down to leave the position to make Vietnam a better team after a 4-3 defeat on aggregate against Indonesia in the semi-final of the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup.

Vietnam and Indonesia drew 2-2 after extra time in the second leg of the Suzuki Cup at My Dinh National Stadium on Wednesday, ensuring the Garuda a berth in the tournament final after two hard-fought matches against the Golden Stars.

The result is considered as a disappointment for the Golden Stars, who have now failed to reach the final for the third time in a row.

“The players and I would like to send our sincere apology to our supporters. We were unlucky and ultimately our effort could not turn into a good result,” the teary-eyed coach said after the match. “As a coach, I want to take blame for the result, even the mistake of any player.

“It crosses my mind that I might consider stepping down to leave the position to who can make Vietnam a better team.”

Meanwhile, Indonesia manager Alfred Riedl was full of praise for his players, who have seemingly relished their underdog role this year.

“We won the match, not because of luck but our bravery, spirit, and efforts,” the Austrian coach said. “We did the best with the final ticket on the line. I want to thank our players for that.

Riedl also defended rival Nguyen Huu Thang, who was his captain during his spell as Vietnam national team head coach, against any hasty decisions by the Vietnam Football Federation.

“I think VFF made a good job choosing Huu Thang as the national team coach. I hope VFF will keep his job after this tournament,” he told reporters.