Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh: 'Song Lam Nghe An has a knack for classification play'

In 1991, when the National Championship began to compete to determine the strong teams, SLNA was placed in the lower group to compete for relegation because Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh's students were in a period of generational transition. However, from 1992-1996, with the "7X" generation of players reaching maturity, SLNA played very well and was continuously in the group of strong teams to compete for medals.

The last season that Vietnamese football organized a qualifying match to separate groups was 1996. That year, SLNA won against Lam Dong in the bronze medal match by penalty shootout. It was also the second time that the Nghe An team won the bronze medal in the National Championship, the previous one was in the 1992 season.

Coach Ngo Quang Truong is someone who understands very well the nature of the classification race. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Returning to V.League 2020, if the results of the first two rounds are maintained, SLNA is having a certain advantage with 4 points, in the top group. With 11 more matches, coach Ngo Quang Truong and his team also have a fairly favorable schedule.

In round 3, SLNA will play at Vinh Stadium against SHB Da Nang Club. Next, the Nghe An team will be Thanh Hoa guests in round 4. The opponents are not too strong, they even lost both opening matches.

The two most difficult matches are predicted to be against defending champion Hanoi at Hang Day Stadium in round 5 and against runner-up Ho Chi Minh City Club in round 6. Although these opponents are very strong, at that time, SLNA welcomed the return of the duo Phan Van Duc - Pham Xuan Manh. Hopes of getting points are still burning, especially in the home match.

After the match against Ho Chi Minh City, SLNA had 3 consecutive away matches against Nam Dinh, Quang Nam and Hong Linh Ha Tinh. This was a big disadvantage for SLNA players because they had to constantly travel and play on the opponent's field. However, against Quang Nam and Hong Linh Ha Tinh, SLNA was still capable of making a difference.

Ho Tuan Tai and his teammates have 1 win and 1 draw in V.League 2020. Photo: Xuan Thuy

In the last 4 matches to close the first leg, which are decisive for the ranking race, SLNA has 2 home matches against Viettel and HAGL, the remaining away matches are against Than Quang Ninh and Hai Phong in the 13th round at Lach Tray Stadium.

Thus, with 11 remaining matches of the first leg, coach Quang Truong and his team only have 4 home matches and 7 away matches. However, in recent years, SLNA's final results have rarely been outside the Top 8. That is the basis for Nghe An fans to believe that SLNA is completely in Group A after the classification, instead of being in the group of 6 relegation teams.

Commenting on the new competition format of V.League 2020, Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh said: “Previously, there was a period when the National Championship divided the strong teams, but at that time, the lower teams competed in pairs, selecting 2 relegated teams, the higher teams competed in a round robin or final to compete for medals and the championship.

Now, there is a similar format, in this context it is reasonable, there is no problem. Restarting V.League is also aimed at the national team to have good preparation, not be rushed and can spread out the competition density. With this format, the relegation race will become more intense and open because all teams are trying their best to play.

Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh believes that SLNA will have good results and feel comfortable if they are ranked in the top group. Graphics: TK

Commenting on SLNA's chances, Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh expressed optimism: "It can be said that SLNA is very lucky with this style of play. SLNA is always in the top, at most only Top 6-7. If placed in Group A (8 teams), SLNA players will be very confident in competing to aim for a high position. Psychologically, in teams with many young players like SLNA, playing like this, they can easily promote their advantages, spirit and competitive mentality.

Currently, SLNA has many young players, but also has a certain level of experience and older, experienced players to guide them. The important thing is to choose quality foreign players, the advantage will be much greater when there is support. This format with fewer matches requires high concentration and SLNA once they put their efforts into playing, they are also very formidable.

Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh is worried about Phan Van Duc because of SLNA's home field.

(Baonghean.vn) - Sharing with Nghe An Newspaper reporter, football expert Nguyen Thanh Vinh, former head coach of SLNA, said that Vinh's field is affecting the playing style of the Nghe An team and poses a great risk of injury recurrence for players like Phan Van Duc.