Gerard Albadalejo, an experienced Spanish coach, reflects on his arrival at Vietnamese club Phu Dong Ninh Binh FC and shares his goals for this first year abroad.
1. After almost a full season away from the dugout, you’ve decided to take the leap and begin your first international experience in Vietnam. What helped you make this decision?
As you rightly say, it’s been a long time away from what I love most, which is coaching. But during this time, I’ve been able to focus on developing other areas, such as sporting management, and above all, watching and analyzing a lot of football — especially international football — which ultimately opened the door to Vietnam. That said, what helped me the most to make this decision is the fact that I’ve been working toward it for many months.
2. You’ve had experiences with historic clubs such as CF Badalona, Atlético Saguntino, CE Europa, Orihuela CF, and Lleida Esportiu. What do you take away from Spanish football?
I take everything with me from Spanish football because it’s our football, and it has taught me to understand and live through different realities depending on each club. Fortunately, they’ve all been important clubs in our country.
3. What do you expect from Vietnamese football?
I expect a lot. I feel like a child full of excitement because everything is new right now. But I believe that for both myself and my staff, big challenges and both professional and personal growth lie ahead — this could open the door to a new and emerging market.
4. You arrive at Phu Dong Ninh Binh FC, a newly promoted team in V.League 1. What are your expectations for the 2025–26 season?
I expect a year full of hard work to help the club establish itself in the division. After a long time, the club is finally where it deserves to be, but achieving our goals will not be easy. That said, we come with the conviction that we’ll achieve them without a doubt.
5. What do you think you can bring to the team from Ninh Binh?
Our idea is to implement what we believe they currently lack: the tactical rigor of European football combined with the strengths of the speed and rhythm of Vietnamese — and more broadly, Asian — football.
6. A new culture, new players, and a new league. What goals have you set for yourself?
To truly enjoy the experience, giving my all every single day in order to improve, and to make sure that my time in Vietnam helps me grow in every sense.