Coach Phùng Thanh Phương acknowledges one thing after the historic championship

Having taken on a temporary role mid-season, Coach Phùng Thanh Phương surprisingly guided CA TP.HCM to the National Cup title, wrapping up the campaign in triumph.

From being an emergency option on the coaching bench, Coach Phùng Thanh Phương crafted the most memorable story for Công an TP.HCM in the 2025/26 season. Tasked with replacing Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức during a difficult period for the team, the 1978-born tactician not only achieved the goal of stabilizing the situation but also brought home an unexpected National Cup championship.

When he took over the team before Round 22 of the V.League, Phùng Thanh Phương faced considerable pressure. CA TP.HCM had just endured a disappointing run with four losses in five matches, while the chance to compete for the top spots was virtually gone. However, the interim coach quickly implemented positive changes, restoring the team's confidence and fighting spirit.

Signs of improvement appeared right away in a 3-1 victory over SLNA. From then on, CA TP.HCM maintained an unbeaten streak for the remainder of the V.League season. The team drew against strong opponents such as Ninh Bình, Thể Công Viettel, and Hà Nội FC, finishing the season in 5th place. This was regarded as a commendable achievement for a squad that had undergone significant upheaval.

However, the biggest surprise came in the National Cup competition. Not rated highly, CA TP.HCM consistently caused upsets. First came a 4-2 win away at Nam Định's Thiên Trường Stadium in the semifinals. Then, the police team went on to defeat Ninh Bình in the final, clinching the championship for the first time after more than 25 years of waiting.

Alongside the brilliance of individuals like Raphael and Lee Williams, Coach Phùng Thanh Phương's tactical imprint was clearly evident. CA TP.HCM played with discipline, knew their strengths and weaknesses, and remained effective in crucial moments. It was his calm demeanor and ability to unite the team that earned him the trust of both the players and the club's management.

Sharing his thoughts after the historic title, Coach Phùng Thanh Phương maintained his characteristic humility: "Even I was surprised that CA TP.HCM won the National Cup. To be honest, we didn't think we would reach the final, let alone win it. Everything really exceeded expectations. What CA TP.HCM has achieved today is the result of the players' effort and fighting spirit. Special thanks go to the close attention and involvement of the club's leadership, as well as the passionate support from the fans. As for me personally, I am just someone who continued the work from Mr. Lê Huỳnh Đức, acting as a bridge to unite everyone into one cohesive unit." The first title as head coach will certainly be a memorable milestone in Phùng Thanh Phương's career.

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