Coach Mai Duc Chung speaks for the first time after parting ways with the Vietnam women's national team.

Coach Mai Duc Chung shares his thoughts for the first time about life after departing from the national team, ranging from peaceful days of relaxation to ongoing worries regarding Vietnamese women's football.

Coach Mai Duc Chung first reveals his feelings after bidding farewell to the Vietnam women's national team. on The Khang Show, unveiling his everyday life and profound reflections on football. After many years dedicated to the field, he admits this is a rare period of complete rest, free from the pressures of competition and coaching duties.

The veteran coach stated that he currently spends most of his time at home, living a simple life and assisting his family. The slower pace helps him eat well, sleep deeply, and no longer be haunted by professional calculations. However, for someone who has devoted his entire life to football, this "leisure" sometimes also brings a sense of emptiness.

Looking back on the journey he has taken, Coach Mai Duc Chung could not hide his concerns about Vietnamese women's football. According to him, working in women's football is much more arduous, as one must manage both professional aspects and the players' livelihoods, from securing sponsorships to supporting those in difficult circumstances. Therefore, he always regarded the team as a family, where emotions and bonds play a role equally important as achievements.

He particularly emphasized the disadvantages women's football faces compared to men's football, especially in terms of sponsorship and fan attention. This has often saddened him, but it also motivates him to continue contributing, with the hope of improving the status of Vietnamese women's football on the regional and international map.

Recalling the milestone at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, he expressed pride when the Vietnam women's national team first participated and faced top world teams. That was not only a professional achievement but also a significant step forward in image, as Vietnamese women's football gained respect from international peers.

Even though officially retired, Coach Mai Duc Chung still retains his full passion for football. He said if possible, he would want to "be 20 years younger" to continue contributing, especially for women's football. For him, the important things are not just victories but also unity, responsibility, and love for the national colors—core values he has pursued throughout his career.