Coach Phan Nhu Thuat explains the reason why SLNA failed at Lach Tray stadium

Before the trip to Lach Tray Stadium (Hai Phong), Nghe An fans had high expectations that Song Lam Nghe An would continue to maintain their excitement, after the brave victory over defending champion Thep Xanh Nam Dinh in round 2 of V.League 2025/26.

And in fact, the first minutes showed that this belief was well-founded. Despite playing away, coach Phan Nhu Thuat's players entered the game with confidence, creating many dangerous situations. However, Olaha and Van Cuong regretfully missed scoring opportunities.

When SLNA failed to take advantage, Hai Phong quickly regained control of the game with their experience and sudden changes in playing style. In the 23rd minute, Fred broke the deadlock with a decisive shot, opening the score for the home team. The loss caused SLNA many difficulties, while Hai Phong played with excitement and continuously created problems for Cao Van Binh's goal.

In the second half, Fred continued to shine in the 63rd minute, doubling the gap for the Hai Phong team. SLNA's late efforts in the remaining time were not enough to change the situation. In the end, Coach Chu Dinh Nghiem's ​​team won 2-0.

In the post-match press conference, coach Phan Nhu Thuat frankly admitted: “We got into the game quite quickly, but then made some regrettable mistakes and conceded a goal. That is something the whole team needs to learn from.”

The SLNA captain also said that physical strength was an important reason for the poor performance: “Not only the midfield but the whole team played below their best today. Maybe because of the high competition density, the players’ physical strength had not recovered after the previous round. That greatly affected our playing style and efficiency.”

Explaining the decision to change the personnel at the beginning of the second half, Mr. Thuat revealed: “Midfielder Enrique is not yet in good physical condition, so the coaching staff was forced to adjust the tactics, bringing in more strikers to find an equalizer. But unfortunately, the players did not perform as expected.”

According to coach Phan Nhu Thuat, the next 20-day break is an important opportunity for SLNA to rectify: “The team still has a lot of work to do. This break will be favorable for us to practice more, helping domestic and foreign players understand each other better, thereby improving the way we play.”

Evaluating Hai Phong, Mr. Thuat praised: "They have built a smooth and effective playing style. The attack line with foreign players like Fred performed very well and was the biggest threat to us today."

Coach Phan Nhu Thuat affirmed that SLNA will need to make more efforts if they want to compete in V.League 2025/26: “We need to improve both our expertise and our mental stability. This is just the beginning, and the whole team will have to work even harder.”

With the defeat at Lach Tray Stadium, SLNA showed that the journey this season will not be easy. However, with the frank recognition of the problem from the coaching staff, Nghe An fans still have reason to believe in the team's return in the upcoming rounds.