Coach Phan Nhu Thuat is optimistic about Song Lam Nghe An's ability to stay in the league.

In the framework of round 24 of V-League 2024/25,Lam River Nghe Anhad a very hard-fought match against the top team Nam Dinh at Vinh Stadium. Despite being determined to gain points to consolidate their position in the relegation race, coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team still had to accept a narrow 2-3 defeat against an opponent who was considered superior in class and form.

Speaking after the match, head coach Phan Nhu Thuat could not hide his regret as his team had a determined performance: "This was a good match for both teams. Nam Dinh today showed the true character of a championship candidate. As for us, the players fought with all their might, playing with great spirit. We are really regretful that we could not equalize in the second half, when we had created many dangerous opportunities."

Despite the defeat, the captain of Song Lam Nghe An is still optimistic about his team's ability to stay in the league: "The relegation race is still within our control at this point. If we play well in the remaining two matches, Song Lam Nghe An's chance of staying in the league is very high."

Talking about the reason why the team could not achieve the desired results, coach Phan Nhu Thuat said that the lack of force was a significant factor: "The absence of key players such as Van Khanh, Khac Ngoc and Ho Van Cuong was really a big loss in this match. However, I must also say that Nam Dinh deserved to win."

However, he did not forget to praise the brave fighting spirit of his students: "When Song Lam Nghe An entered this life-and-death battle, the players showed the highest determination to win points. It was that spirit that helped us have a pretty good performance against the top team."

With only two more rounds to go until the end of the season, coach Phan Nhu Thuat is making full use of the break between matches to improve weaknesses: “In the upcoming 2-week FIFA Days break, we will focus on improving our scoring ability. Regarding defense, when some key players return, I believe it will be more stable. However, the most important thing is that we need to improve our attacking efficiency if we want to win full points in the upcoming matches."

One of the major concerns of Song Lam Nghe An fans is the future of foreign striker Olaha. Responding to this issue, coach Phan Nhu Thuat said: "Olaha still has a contract with Song Lam Nghe An. As for the future, I cannot say anything because it is the decision of the club's leadership."

Despite losing to a strong Nam Dinh, Song Lam Nghe An still has the right to self-determination and a great chance to stay in the V-League next season. Hopefully, the coaching staff of the Nghe An team will have a reasonable strategy to bring the team to positive results in the remaining 2 rounds, thereby helping Song Lam Nghe An successfully stay in the league./.