Should SLNA 'train troops and adjust guns'?

There have been many articles about the solidity of SLNA's defense, we will not mention it further. Perhaps, coach Duc Thang will gradually introduce young players and reserve players to get used to the V.League atmosphere. The issue we will discuss is why the Nghe An team "defends solidly but attacks poorly"?

Lack of innovation and creativity

Coach Duc Thang needs to continue testing both new tactics and personnel. Photo: AT

First of all, let’s take a look at the 5 defenses that SLNA “tied down” including: Than Quang Ninh, Ha Noi, Nam Dinh, Viettel and Hai Phong, with only 1 home match and 4 away matches. In which, facing and scoring against the hosts Than Quang Ninh, Ha Noi, Hai Phong has never been easy. Perhaps it was the mentality of “giving up” too early of the SLNA players that caused them to collapse at Hang Day Stadium.

It can be said that SLNA, in addition to having difficulties with superior teams like Than Quang Ninh, Hanoi or tough teams, defending in large numbers and focusing on physical strength like Nam Dinh, Viettel and Hai Phong. The common point is that these teams all have "anti-Western" experts such as Duong Thanh Hao (Than Quang Ninh), Dinh Trong (Hanoi), Van Phu (Nam Dinh), Ngoc Hai (Viettel), Van Loi (Hai Phong).

With a good physical foundation, the opposing defenders can rest easy if they neutralize Olaha's acceleration. The remaining SLNA attackers are all quite slow, without any breakthroughs and teammates supporting them, so they do not cause difficulties for the opponents. Among the 5 teams above, Coach Van Sy is more skillful in pushing Ha Long to stick close to Khac Ngoc to neutralize the "ammunition supply" of the Vinh home team. The force is not strong, but every time they come to Vinh, Nam Dinh can easily neutralize SLNA's attacks, that's why.

SLNA shares points with Hai Phong at Lach Tray. Photo courtesy of Anh Tuan

SHB.Da Nang's style of play was almost harmless against SLNA because Do Merlo was not as fast and strong as the Serbian midfielder Damir Memović, who is 1m91 tall. Minh Tam's long shots were not too difficult for goalkeeper Nguyen Manh because Van Binh and Khac Ngoc did not give the opponent time to adjust the ball. The goal was achieved thanks to Olaha's excellence, otherwise SLNA would have got 1 point.

Change the style of play

In the 4 matches with goals, the victory over B.Binh Duong at Vinh Stadium is a model of attacking strategy that coach Duc Thang and SLNA players need to study. Not only Olaha and Cao Xuan Thang, the players who scored goals, played well, but Alves Dos Santos, Van Binh, Khac Ngoc... also played creatively and effectively with surprising passes.

It's time for SLNA to play with more passion to score points in the hearts of Nghe An fans. Photo: Xuan Thuy

This was a typical match of SLNA with a diverse attack style, combining both high balls and backheels and dribbles for Khac Ngoc and Alves to break straight into the 16m50 box. When bringing the ball close to the opponent's goal, passing and changing direction continuously, SLNA had more scoring opportunities, something that later matches did not have.

Without Van Duc, coach Duc Thang has no player who can score goals after fast passes. The Cuong, Phuc Tinh, Quang Tinh have all been tested and failed to capitalize on the opportunities created by their teammates. Ngoc Toan is the type of player who can accelerate well but still needs time to coordinate with teammates to pass the ball.

Dare to experiment

To quench his thirst for goals, Coach Duc Thang boldly let Van Binh and Dinh Dong rest, experimented with Olaha playing as a center forward, and pushed Xuan Manh up to play as a striker. That is what coaches should do, need to do when their team is in a deadlock, and Coach Duc Thang needs to continue experimenting.

Olaha's transformation in the early stages of the season contributed greatly to SLNA's victories. Photo courtesy of Xuan Thuy