Coach of Song Lam Nghe An is worried when round 20 is without both Khac Ngoc and Zaracho

Speaking before the match, coach Phan Nhu Thuat confirmed that midfielder Khac Ngoc will be absent due to receiving 3 yellow cards. The loss of this experienced midfielder is a big loss for the Nghe An team's playing style.

"The absence of Khac Ngoc will definitely affect the way we play."Lam River Nghe An. He is experienced and has the ability to create breakthroughs. However, we already have an alternative plan,” Coach Phan Nhu Thuat shared.

Khac Ngoc has long been considered an important link in the midfield, helping SLNA maintain the game and make decisive passes. Without him, the team will have to find a way to adapt quickly.

Not only the midfield, SLNA's defense is also facing problems. Foreign center back Zaracho has not fully recovered from his ankle injury and is at high risk of missing the next match.

“In the last training session, Zaracho still had a sore ankle. Tomorrow, we will check again for the last time. If it is okay, he can play. But in my opinion, that possibility is very low,” said Mr. Thuat.

If Zaracho cannot play, SLNA will lose an important link in defense, especially when facing Viettel, whose attack is not easy to handle.

In the first leg, SLNA shockingly lost 0-5 to Viettel right at home. It was a heavy defeat and also the third match of coach Phan Nhu Thuat as captain. However, according to him, the situation is different now.

“At that time, I had just taken over the team, everything was new. Now the tactics have been adjusted, the squad is more stable. I believe that in this return match, SLNA will play differently, not like the first leg anymore,” he said with determination.

Despite going through a 3-match winless streak, The Cong Viettel is still a strong candidate in the championship race. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat believes that opponents should not be underestimated based on temporary performance.

“Viettel is a strong team. They haven’t had good results in recent matches, but their form is the immediate issue, while their class is still there. We will prepare as best we can and enter the match with the highest fighting spirit,” he affirmed.

While the team was facing difficulties, Coach Phan Nhu Thuat did not forget to mention the role of the fans. According to him, the cheers of the audience are a great spiritual support for the players every time they take the field.

“On behalf of the whole team, I would like to thank the fans for always accompanying us, especially in difficult times. Every time we play in a bustling atmosphere, the players feel more empowered. That is a great source of encouragement for us,” said Mr. Thuat.

Song Lam Nghe An marched to the capital with many worries, from the force to the sad memories of the first leg. However, who knows, "in difficulty, wisdom appears", Nghe An fans are waiting for a new look from the home team when facing The Cong Viettel.