Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Phnom Penh: Experienced Brazilian Leonardo Vitorino has been unveiled as the new head coach of Cambodia.
Vitorino, who most recently was in charge of Laos side Lanexang United, replaces Korea Republic tactician Lee Tae-hoon in the Cambodian hotseat.
“Cambodia told me they are looking to the future and have big challenges,” Vitorino, a former Technical Director at El Jaish in Qatar and Thailand’s Buriram United, told reporters.
“I want to say to the players – you, the players, need to show me your quality. Right now, from today there are no superstars, they need to be a team. And of course, the fans here are always telling me to come and coach here.
“Now, I am not Brazilian. I am Cambodian. I live in Cambodia. I live 24 hours in Cambodia. I give my heart for Cambodia. I give my best for Cambodia,” he added.
Laos failed to qualify for last year’s AFF Championship and saw their dreams of reaching the 2019 AFC Asian Cup dashed during the Qualifiers Play-off Round following a hefty aggregate defeat to India.
Photo: AFP