News Roundup 15/11: Vietnam National Team cautious, Nam Dinh changes coach.
Do Duy Manh affirms Vietnam national team will not be complacent against Laos; Vietnam U22 team looks ahead to Uzbekistan U22 after 1-0 victory; Nam Dinh appoints Mauro Jeronimo; Viettel fined 2 million VND.
“Nothing can be said for sure until the ball starts rolling” – this cautious message from captain Do Duy Manh sets the tone for November 15th in Vietnamese football. Before their away match in Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers, the Vietnamese national team prioritizes composure over any pronouncements. At the youth level, the U22 Vietnam team strengthened their confidence after a 1-0 victory against U22 China, preparing for their match against U22 Uzbekistan with detailed analysis sessions. Domestically, Nam Dinh changed coaches, appointing Mauro Jeronimo as head coach, while Viettel received a 2 million VND fine before their crucial match against Hanoi Police.
Vietnam national team is cautious before facing Laos.
Before heading to Laos for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers, captain Do Duy Manh emphasized the team's need for humility and focus: "Nothing can be said for sure until the ball starts rolling, but the Vietnamese national team always aims to win. We are not being complacent." From their choice of words to their attitude, the Vietnamese team set clear goals but avoided falling into the trap of unrealistic expectations.
Vietnam U22: Fine-tuning after opening victory
Message from Coach Dinh Hong Vinh
Following the 1-0 victory against China U22 in their opening match of the 2025 Panda Cup, coach Dinh Hong Vinh boosted morale and introduced fair competition within the team: "The main goal of this training camp is for everyone to play a starting role; no one is a substitute. Tomorrow, I might completely reshuffle the entire lineup." This is how he aims to motivate and maintain sharpness within the entire team.
Analyzing video footage, finalizing strategies for the match against U22 Uzbekistan.
On the morning of November 14th, the Vietnam U22 team spent time analyzing their 1-0 victory: reviewing key moments via video, comparing statistics to adjust areas for improvement, and strengthening the tactics that worked effectively. Their preparation is focused on the second match against Uzbekistan U22, where their organization and tactical discipline will continue to be tested.
Nam Định appoints coach Mauro Jeronimo.
Nam Dinh FC has officially appointed Mauro Jeronimo as head coach of the first team, hoping to create a boost after a disappointing start to the 2025-2026 V-League season. The decision was announced by Mr. Vu Hong Viet – the club's CEO and currently the General Director of Nam Dinh Green Steel Football Joint Stock Company. Previously, Mr. Viet served as head coach and led the club to two V-League championships, before stepping down from the coaching staff to focus on senior management when the team's performance declined.
Viettel receives penalty ahead of major clash with Hanoi Police.
Prior to the match considered an "early final" in the Round of 16 of the 2025/2026 National Cup between Hanoi Police and Viettel, the military team was fined 2 million VND by the Disciplinary Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation because five of their players received yellow cards in the qualifying match against Hanoi FC at Hang Day Stadium. The penalty came at a time when coach Velizar Popov's team needed maximum discipline for the tense confrontation.
A perspective from China after their defeat against Vietnam U22.
The opening match defeat has drawn much criticism for Chinese football. Commentator Dong Lu suggested that the national team should look to Vietnam as a role model before aspiring to greater heights in Asian competitions. His concise statement hit the nail on the head regarding competition standards and the path to progress.
Nguyen Xuan Son has been nominated by The Guardian.
Nguyen Xuan Son unexpectedly made it onto The Guardian's list of 40 best players of 2025, despite not playing this year. His inclusion is a rare highlight in the annual nominations, attracting the attention of fans.
From the cautious approach of the Vietnamese national team and the systematic preparation of the U22 Vietnamese team to adjustments at the club level like Nam Dinh, the picture of domestic football on November 15th was painted with discipline and timely decisions – essential pieces before facing bigger tests.
