SLNA Club leaders share about the issue of stopping the V.League 2021 tournament

Duc Anh• August 22, 2021 12:18

(Baonghean.vn) - The epidemic situation in Vietnam is becoming increasingly complicated. In this situation, the Vietnam Football Federation has decided to stop the V.League 2021 tournament.

The suspension of the V.League tournament helps teams minimize financial losses, focus on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and have better preparation for the 2022 season. SLNA Club leaders completely agree with the VFF's view of suspending the tournament. And hope that VFF will have optimal solutions to ensure the rights of participating clubs.

Trong thời gian qua SLNA đã giữ chân được những cầu thủ quan trong của đội bóng. Ảnh: Đức Anh

In recent times, SLNA has retained important players of the team. Photo: Duc Anh

Mr. Truong Manh Linh - General Director, CEO of Song Lam Nghe An Club shared about this issue: “SLNA agrees with the plan proposed by the Vietnam Football Federation. As previously announced, even if V.League 2021 continues to take place in February 2022, we are still ready. And in fact, SLNA has made very careful preparations, staying in the league is within our ability.
If the tournament is canceled, this is the best option for all clubs as well as suitable for the current situation of the Covid-19 epidemic raging across the country. While the whole country is struggling to fight the epidemic, football is also difficult to fully enjoy and SLNA understands that very well.
Stopping the tournament is also a good option to help SLNA Club reduce the cost of maintaining the team. “Currently, all teams are waiting for an official decision. I think the suspension of V.League 2021 is beneficial for SLNA. Firstly, we do not have to "bear" the salary fund until February-March 2022. Of course, I affirm that SLNA will still ensure the rights and lives of the players. In addition, the team also reduces maintenance costs from now until the new season takes place. Besides, the team saves on food costs and expenses incurred during training" - Mr. Truong Manh Linh said.

Olaha là cầu thủ mới nhất đang trong quá trình thử việc tại SLNA. Ảnh: Đức Anh

Olaha is the latest player on trial at SLNA. Photo: Duc Anh

Regarding the club's personnel issues, Mr. Linh said: "SLNA is also more proactive in building the squad for next season. We can rebuild the squad, add more players, and even change the entire squad. In addition, the team can have a good orientation in terms of personnel, considering foreign players or players whose contracts expire this year. If anyone is not suitable, we will not keep them but look for better faces."
SLNA is the team at the bottom of the V.League rankings. After 12 rounds, the Nghe team has 10 points and is 3 points ahead of the team above. Recently, SLNA has been transferred to a new sponsor and the yellow team has made positive changes. The club has continuously signed contracts with quality players. On the other hand, during the epidemic break, SLNA is the team that still maintains regular training. With such active preparation, the Nghe team is completely confident to stay in the league.

Regarding the plan that VFF proposed that there would be relegation, SLNA Club completely disagreed with this view because: “If the tournament stops, many matches will not take place. Teams still have the opportunity, including us. So, how can SLNA be relegated? I have not seen anyone mention SLNA being relegated. That is of course not. That is not debatable. If anything, the teams will sit together to see whether to award the championship to HAGL or not and choose a team to compete in the continental tournament” - Mr. Truong Manh Linh affirmed.

Regarding the plan to maintain training and form for the players, Mr. Linh shared: “Actually, all the players stay in Vinh. We still go to the club every day as usual. Nghe An's characteristics are also different from other localities. All the players are from here, living in Nghe An. When the team has a training plan, the players support it immediately.”

SLNA is always ready for any situation and respects the decision of VFF. Photo: Duc Anh

Looking forward to the new season, the SLNA Club's Board of Directors will have specific plans to turn the club into a strong team in the V.League, worthy of the fans' expectations.