SLNA coach Duc Thang opens up about his desire to retain his players.

In the second leg of the National Cup semi-final, SLNA suffered a bitter 0-4 defeat against FLC Thanh Hoa. In that match, players like Dinh Dong, Trong Hoang, and Hoang Thinh played exceptionally well, dominating their younger opponents.

In the match of round 24, despite only bringing Trong Hoang on from the bench and Dinh Dong being suspended, Thanh Hoa still played well at SLNA's home ground and won 1-0 thanks to a somewhat lucky goal. However, midfielder Ngo Hoang Thinh continued his impressive performance in this match. Once again, the players from Nghe An returned home and brought sorrow to SLNA.

Coach Nguyen Duc Thang (SLNA). Photo courtesy.

After the match, SLNA coach Duc Thang shared: “We lost this match, but the SLNA players played with a very commendable spirit. In football, luck is a very important factor, and we were unlucky in the situation where we conceded the goal.”

Having started my career as a goalkeeper, I deeply sympathize with Vu Hai's goal conceded. As I said, SLNA also played with the highest spirit, and I don't blame the players at all."

Regarding SLNA's annual struggle to retain key players, Coach Duc Thang said: "Some people wonder why SLNA doesn't sell players while they still have contracts. According to FIFA regulations, players can leave freely at the age of 25. However, many people don't realize that when they were 24, SLNA desperately needed them. I only wish SLNA had a lot of money to be able to keep the best players."

"It's inevitable in professional football that players leave to find new clubs, and we have to accept it."

Que Ngoc Hai's future remains uncertain. Photo: Nguyen Hai

Regarding this issue, former SLNA head coach and football expert Nguyen Thanh Vinh stated: "The most important thing for SLNA right now is to retain its key players. For this, SLNA urgently needs the support of the Provincial People's Committee and investors."

Failing to retain core players will create significant difficulties for the team in preparing for next season. SLNA needs to select and keep a few key players, and allow young players more time to play and develop.

For example, with Que Ngoc Hai, if there is a strong next generation of players, then the departure of players like Ngoc Hai wouldn't significantly disrupt the squad. SLNA's finances aren't abundant, so they are forced to make careful choices and accept parting ways with other players.

Our current regulations are considered professional, but they have eroded the strength of teams with good youth development programs like SLNA.”

What did Que Ngoc Hai say about the rumors of him leaving Song Lam Nghe An?

(Baonghean.vn) - In recent days, there have been many rumors about Que Ngoc Hai leaving SLNA and joining HAGL or Ho Chi Minh City after the 2018 season ends. The SLNA central defender has officially spoken out about the aforementioned information.