Calisto quits as Vietnam coach

07-Mar-2011

Henrique Calisto, who guided Vietnam to the AFF Suzuki Cup title in 2008 and the semi-finals of the last edition, has stepped down as coach of the national team.

The 58-year-old Calisto will join Thai Premier League champions Muang Thong United, according to media reports.

The Vietnam Football Federation accepted the Portuguese's letter of resignation earlier this week, its deputy chairman Nguyen Lan Trung told local newspapers.

Calisto took charge of Vietnam for the second time in 2008 and led the team to victory over Thailand in the two-legged final of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

The side was weakened by injuries to key players for the tournament last December and failed to retain the title.

Vietnam reached the semi-finals despite a surprise 2-0 home loss to the Philippines in group play but went down 2-0 on aggregate to eventual winners Malaysia in the last four.