Tiana
Haxton, RNZ Pacific journalist
Vanuatu
United FC Head Coach Lars Hopp said team morale remains
optimistic as the club prepares for its OFC Pro League
debut, despite his shock resignation just days out from the
opening round.
“I think it’s still very positive. You
know, we’ve got a great bunch of players, and they know what
they can influence is on the field. So (we) have good
training sessions and obviously good performances on match
day. And this is what we focus on, and this is everybody’s
job and focus right now,” Lars Hopp said.
Hopp and the
teams General Manager Christian Happel announced earlier
this week they would step down from their roles, following
what they described as differing views on the clubs
strategic direction.
In a joint statement, the Vanuatu
Football Federation and Vanuatu United FC said the
resignations were the result of “differing views on the
club’s strategic direction,” the statement
said.
“There are simply different opinions on how the
future of the club should be managed and developed. We
believe absolute alignment among all stakeholders is vital
for long-term success,” they said.
“As we no longer
feel fully aligned, we concluded that stepping aside is the
right move for everyone involved.”
In the statement
Hopp and Happel reflected on their time developing the
Vanuatu football scene, saying significant progress was
made.
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“Together with an exceptional group of players –
remarkable both on and off the pitch – we have achieved a
great deal in a short time. From building a professional
football club from the ground up to delivering success on
the field, including the unforgettable MSG Cup victory with
the national team, we look back with immense pride and
gratitude,” they said.
The clubs board acknowledged
the unfortunate timing of their resignations, but praised
the contributions both men have made to Vanuatu
football.
“We are saddened to see Christian and Lars
step down just as VUFC is ready to kick off its first
professional match this week,” the board said.
“Their
professionalism, vision, and dedication have set new
standards for our football landscape.”
Happel’s final
working day with the club will be 23 January, while Hopp
will remain in his role until 26 January, to lead the team
through round one of the OFC Pro League.
Despite the
uncertainties off the field, the club’s immediate focus
remains on its three matches in the opening round between 17
and 23 January, including today’s season opener against
Fiji’s Bula FC.
Meanwhile, the Vanuatu Football
Federation has already begun advertising to fill both the
head coach and general manager
positions.
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