This is the reason why HAGL coach "kept" Cong Phuong on the bench

In the latest match of round 4 of V.League 2018 held at Pleiku Stadium, HAGL won its first victory when defeating Nam Dinh Club with a score of 3-2 with goals from Minh Vuong, Van Toan and Hong Duy.

In this match, coach Duong Minh Ninh surprised everyone by deciding to leave Nguyen Cong Phuong on the bench. It was not until the 72nd minute that the striker from Nghe An was brought onto the field to replace Xuan Truong. The captaincy of the mountain town team was also handed over to Cong Phuong.

Cong Phuong had to sit on the bench after returning from the Vietnam national team.

Explaining the decision to leave key striker Cong Phuong on the bench, coach Duong Minh Ninh revealed that it was the decision of the coaching staff of the mountain town team to ensure the physical strength of the new pillars with the Vietnam national team competing in the final qualifying round of the 2019 Asian Cup.

Coach Duong Minh Ninh shared: "In the Jordan match, HAGL had 5 players participating, they had to travel a very long distance with the time difference making them very tired.

Therefore, HAGL had to calculate carefully because these 5 players are all pillars. Before the match, we decided to put Xuan Truong, Van Toan and Van Thanh on the field, while Cong Phuong and Hong Duy were on the bench."

Previously, Van Toan, Cong Phuong... all appeared quite lethargic when returning to practice with HAGL Club. According to club members, it was not until 10pm on March 29 that Van Toan and his teammates returned to Ham Rong. The long journey and lack of sleep made them not feel refreshed, and fatigue was evident.