Football

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội Police are in a confident mood ahead of the National Super Cup against Nam Định on August 9, with their coach insisting his side has a point to prove.

The 2024/2025 season ended with many regrets for Hà Nội Police, who finished in fourth and were unable to defend their V.League 1 title.

As they enter the new season, coach Mano Polking and his players are determined to make a strong comeback, starting with the National Super Cup match against reigning champions Nam Định.

Hà Nội Police head coach Alexandre Mano Polking said: "This is an important match and a great opportunity to kick off the season with a title. We are very focused on this Super Cup.

"Although we are still waiting for a few final players to join, the whole team has several days to prepare to reach peak performance. The current players are training hard every day, and we are ready for the first challenge of the season."

Aiming to conquer new titles this season, Hà Nội Police have strengthened their squad with two promising newcomers of Vietnamese origin, Adou Minh and Brandon Ly. Both are quickly integrating into the team and are ready to play in the upcoming Super Cup match.

Coach Polking is well aware of Nam Định's strength but remains confident in his players.

"I am no longer surprised by Nam Định," he said.

"They are champions for two consecutive seasons, possess a quality lineup, and have the home advantage. But I believe in my team. We have added good players and had more time to bond. This is the season opener, meant for V.League 1 fans. I believe we will win."

The National Super Cup match will take place at Thiên Trường Stadium, home of Nam Định. The pressure at Thiên Trường is immense, as Nam Định boasts a passionate and energetic fanbase that always gives their all in the stands.

Preparing for the new season, Nam Định's coach Vũ Hồng Việt has been strengthening the squad, adding both domestic and foreign players.

Nam Định has one of the deepest and most star-studded lineups in V.League 1.

Despite these challenges, Coach Mano Polking is confident. He believes that, compared to last season, Hà Nội Police are stronger and more determined.

What makes the National Super Cup match so anticipated is that both teams prefer an attacking style of play.

Midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải of Hà Nội Police is regarded by coach Park Hang-seo as one of the best attacking midfielders in Vietnamese football.

Although Nam Định will miss naturalised striker Nguyễn Xuân Sơn, they still have a powerful line-up of foreign players and domestic stars like Nguyễn Tuấn Anh and Nguyễn Phong Hồng Duy. VNS