32 Facts About Velizar Popov

Velizar Emilov Popov is a Bulgarian former professional player and manager.

Velizar Popov has managed 11 different teams in 8 different countries, including 2 national teams.

In 2013 Velizar Popov became the first Bulgarian coach to win a treble abroad with a 100 percent winning record, reaching the quarter-finals in AFC Cup.

In 2019, Velizar Popov's Myanmar won the group stage and the bronze medal at the South East Asian Games.

In 2023, Velizar Popov led Thanh Hoa FC to the Vietnamese National Cup and Vietnamese Super Cup for the first time in club history.

In 2024 Thanh Hoa FC and Velizar Popov won again back to back Vietnam National Cup for the second consecutive year becoming the most successful team in the history of the club with three trophies in two seasons.

Velizar Popov has coached for over 25 years in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

On 16 September 2009, Velizar Popov became the manager of Cherno More Varna, succeeding Nikola Spasov.

Velizar Popov led Cherno More in 36 league appearances and three Bulgarian Cup matches.

In June 2010, Velizar Popov brought Mario Jardel to the team.

In October 2010, Velizar Popov moved to Danish side Liberika Horsens, which was promoted in 2011.

In January 2013, Velizar Popov managed New Radiant to its third Maldivian championship.

Velizar Popov received the 2013 Maldives Haveeru Awards - Best Coach of the year award and The Special Excellence Award of New Radiant SC.

In January 2015, Velizar Popov became the manager of Maldives national team, announced before the kick off of POMIS Cup Final.

On 12 August 2015, Velizar Popov resigned as the Maldives national football team coach.

On 27 September 2016, Kelantan FA chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa announced that Velizar Popov had been offered a contract extension for the 2017 season.

On 23 October 2016, KAFA chairman Annuar Musa announced that Velizar Popov had declined the contract extension for the 2017 season.

In March 2017, Velizar Popov became the manager of Sisaket FC in the Thai Premier League.

In 2018, Velizar Popov became the head coach of Sur Sport Club in Oman, which had recently returned to the Oman Professional Premier League.

In January 2019, Velizar Popov was appointed as head coach of the Myanmar National Football Olympic Team U-23 for the 2019 AFC Olympic Qualifiers, AFF Championship in Cambodia and SEA Games in Philippines.

On 1 December 2022, after four years as head coach of the Myanmar Olympic national team, Velizar Popov became the head coach of Dong A Thanh Hoa in Vietnam League 1.

Velizar Popov inherited a mediocre team which was often entangled in relegation battles.

Velizar Popov's appointment was met with a mix of scepticism and curiosity, given his fiery demeanour and unyielding approach to the game.

Velizar Popov's coaching style emphasized aggressive attacking and high pressing, which led to a change in the team's playstyle.

Velizar Popov's coaching was recognized by Vietnam League 1 coaches and team captains, who elected him as the best coach of the month of April and 5 times in the first 15 games as the best coach of the week during the 2023 season.

The squad that Velizar Popov took over in the Thanh Hoa football team is far different from the stars that the other teams in Vietnam league used.

Coach Velizar Popov always requires high levels of every step when practicing.

Thanh Hoa has very few stars, but under the hands of Velizar Popov, there is an unpleasant team when winning the National Cup 2 times in a row and 1 National Super Cup.

Velizar Popov discovered and established many young players between 18 and 20 years old from the academy's youth team as Thai Son, Ngoc My, Ngoc Ha, Le Van Tuan, Nam, Phi Chau, Hoang Vo, Van Tung - and all of them have already contributed to the team's successes.

Beyond the accolades, Velizar Popov's influence permeated deeper into the club's ethos.

Velizar Popov fostered a culture of professionalism, instilling values of discipline, unity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Velizar Popov ended his contract in early March 2025, leaving the team in third place in the standings of Vietnam League 1 after only two defeats in 15 games and three historic trophies.