Graechen was delighted after defeating Binh Duong.

The coach of Hoang Anh Gia Lai has great confidence in their ability to avoid relegation, after their comeback 2-1 victory against the reigning V-League champions on the afternoon of July 19th.

"The Hoang Anh Gia Lai players rediscovered their goal-scoring instinct in this match, something we thought we had lost in previous rounds," coach Guillaume Graechen shared with VnExpress. "The fighting spirit was also crucial. Despite conceding very early, the players didn't give up; they remained confident and played their hearts out."

Cong Phuong (left) and coach Graechen celebrate together after the precious victory. Photo: Thuy Dung.

Before round 17, HAGL had gone through 11 consecutive matches with only draws and losses, dropping to second-to-last place. Even playing at their home stadium in Pleiku, their chances of winning were not highly rated due to a depleted squad. Cong Phuong, Van Toan, Moussa, and Tuan Anh were either on the bench or not registered to play due to injuries. A few weeks ago, HAGL was thrashed 4-1 by Binh Duong.

The difficulties piled up when, in the second minute, Cong Vinh breached the home team's net. However, Thanh Tung shone brightly with two close-range shots in the 28th and 53rd minutes to secure three valuable points for HAGL.

"The substitutes played very well in this match. They were timely additions," Graechen analyzed. "The main players have played many matches but haven't had positive results. In the coming period, I will consider who to give a starting spot to, of course, depending on injury status and fitness."

In his press conference, coach Mai Duc Chung suggested that Binh Duong were unlucky and therefore lost. Regarding this, Graechen said: "I don't think so. The main thing is that Binh Duong's players were inaccurate in their finishing in this match."

This victory helped HAGL climb to 12th place. They have the same 13 points as Can Tho but have a better goal difference. "Winning is certainly good, but it's important that we maintain stability and focus because the race is still very intense. There are still nine rounds left in the season, so it's too early to talk about relegation. However, personally, seeing the players' efforts, I feel very hopeful about our ability to stay in the V-League."

Following HAGL's recent string of defeats, many have expressed doubts about the French coach's abilities. "Whatever anyone wants to say is their business. I don't care. If they want, I invite them to the training ground to see what I can do," he said. "I have never thought about resigning. I am a strong person and I always fight to overcome challenges."

According to VNE