The 'killer duo' Thang and Thinh

(Baonghean) - Many jokingly say that if you consider their names, Duc Thang and Van Thinh combined would make SLNA "unbeatable". In reality, besides the name, the combination of someone with excellent professional skills and someone who is adept at diplomacy and managing players promises to create a powerful team.

When it comes to talent, no one dares to underestimate Nguyen Van Thinh. Central defender Cao Xuan Thang once confidently declared: "Thinh 'the Black' is the best coach in Vietnam." During his time as head coach of SLNA, Mr. Thinh made his mark not only with his ability to "read" the game, but also with his varied training methods, which his players found incredibly engaging.

Later, while working professionally in Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, and QNK Quang Nam, Mr. Thinh was also highly regarded for his expertise. Coach Nguyen proved to be very suitable for teams that wanted to build from scratch or had plans for reconstruction, with him being the one to lay the foundation stone.

The combination of Duc Thang and Van Thinh promises to create a great chemistry.

Nguyen Van Thinh's exceptional expertise is undeniable, but success hasn't always accompanied this dark-skinned coach. He's a man of strong personality, reserved, and not very adept at harmonizing relationships. Whether as an assistant or head coach, he's left a distinct mark with his expertise. Previously, Nguyen Van Thinh made a big impact by leading the Vietnam U16 team to the semi-finals of the 2000 Asian Championship. Under his guidance, many players matured and made a name for themselves, such as Minh Duc, Van Quyen, Nhu Thuat, and Hai Nam…

This creates a gap between the coach and the players, sometimes leading to a lack of team cohesion. That's also why, from Ninh Binh to Quang Nam, Coach Thinh only served to motivate the team before withdrawing, due to a lack of full support from his players.

Following his defeat with QNK. Quang Nam in the First Division in the 2012 season, coach Nguyen Van Thinh returned to his hometown and decided to retire from football to focus on his family.

However, after a one or two-year break, his longing for the profession resurfaced, and Mr. Thinh returned as a youth coach at the Song Lam academy. He had initially intended to retire and focus on youth football in his old age, but due to leadership demands, Mr. Thinh made another comeback. First, he served as the head coach of the SLNA U21 team in the National Championship, and now he is an assistant coach to Duc Thang in the first team.

Many people support SLNA's personnel arrangement because they believe that Mr. Thinh, with his talent and experience, will be a necessary complement to Duc Thang, a young player who needs the "inspiration" of those who came before him.

Unlike Thinh "the Black," Duc Thang is very well-liked by the players. Even during his playing days, Thang "the Dinosaur" was known for his unwavering loyalty to his teammates and friends. When he became an assistant to Huu Thang and later to Quang Truong, Duc Thang continued to care for and be very attentive to his students. From big issues to small ones, whenever the players faced difficulties, Duc Thang was always there to help resolve them. Besides being a coach, Duc Thang is also like an older brother to many players, and therefore, the relationship between the coaching staff and the players is very close.

Besides being well-liked by the players, Duc Thang is also skilled in internal and external affairs. Many of the team's tasks, when handled by Duc Thang, go very smoothly, the incident where Que Ngoc Hai broke Anh Khoa's leg being a prime example. Duc Thang's close relationship with the sponsor, Bac A, is also a strength, providing SLNA with greater financial security.

One is skilled in their field, the other in management; therefore, the combination of Nguyen Duc Thang and Nguyen Van Thinh promises to create a truly united SLNA team with a strong fighting spirit.

Of course, with that spirit, SLNA has much to hope for, because, after all, football in this country still has so much motivation for everyone to give their all and succeed. New year, new hope, and let's place our faith in the "duo" Thang and Thinh.

Vinh Liem