Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh: Thanh Hoa is not strong enough for SLNA to be afraid.

(Baonghean.vn) - Commenting on the match between FLC Thanh Hoa and SLNA in round 9 of V.League 2016, former SLNA head coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh said that if they play at their best, the Nghe An team will definitely bring home points.

In terms of tradition and history of confrontation, Thanh Hoa football is rarely ranked above Nghe An football. In the context that FLC Thanh Hoa is currently ranked 2nd on the rankings and will face SLNA this weekend, the Thanh team is somewhat considered to be better, but that does not mean that former coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh thinks that SLNA should be wary of their opponent.

However, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh still pointed out a problem that SLNA is facing, which is physical strength: “In the previous match against Long An, SLNA played well in the first half, but in the second half, the players lost strength, leading to instability in both defense and attack. This is entirely due to poor preparation. On the other hand, one of the reasons why SLNA lost points at home is the ability to finish.”

Coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh (in blue hat) when he was still leading SLNA - Photo: Quang Minh

Talking about the upcoming match, the former head coach who led SLNA from 1979 to 2004 commented: “The competitive mentality of SLNA’s young players has improved a lot compared to some matches at the beginning of the season, they should promote it. I watched the match between FLC Thanh Hoa and HAGL, but the Thanh team’s playing style was not very clear, foreign player Pape Omar left a lot of impression, and most of the other players also had average performances, not so scary.

Playing away, SLNA will have to face the passionate atmosphere created by Thanh Hoa fans, so they need to play confidently, not create much pressure but must know how to take advantage of the opportunities they have. This is what HAGL has done, they chose the moment when the opponent was impatient because they could not score a goal to make FLC Thanh Hoa somewhat confused."

According to coach Thanh Vinh, the competitive mentality of SLNA's young players has gradually stabilized - Photo: Duc Dung

In addition to foreign player Omar, the player that Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh highly appreciates is left winger Le Quoc Phuong. He believes that SLNA's defense needs to be wary of this potentially dangerous player. This is not too difficult a task for SLNA's veteran defenders.

To strengthen the defense, coach Ngo Quang Truong will likely flexibly use his "trump card" Que Ngoc Hai. Expert Nguyen Thanh Vinh also pointed out an optimal solution, which is to use this player in the center-back position in the first half to ensure tightness right from the start. If FLC Thanh Hoa cannot score, the home team will definitely be impatient to advance and at that time, pushing Que Ngoc Hai up will be more effective. Finally, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Vinh predicted that if SLNA plays to their full potential, a draw with FLC Thanh Hoa would also be a success. Do not set high goals that put pressure on the players.

If playing to their full potential, SLNA can get points against Thanh Hoa in the next match against FLC - Photo: Duc Dung

Regarding the “trio” from Nghe An who are playing for FLC Thanh Hoa, former coach Nguyen Thanh Vinh expressed his opinion that they need to show their maturity when facing their hometown team. Dinh Dong, Van Binh, and Hoang Thinh should play their best to show their professionalism and increase the appeal and drama of the match.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD BETWEEN FLC THANH HOA and SLNA

V.League 2015

FLC Thanh Hoa 2 – 1 SLNA

Song Lam Nghe An 4 – 0 FLC Thanh Hoa

V.League 2014

FLC Thanh Hoa 0 – 0 SLNA

SLNA 1 – 2 FLC Thanh Hoa

V.League 2013

SLNA 2 – 0 FLC Thanh Hoa

FLC Thanh Hoa 2 – 1 SLNA

Trung Kien