What can we expect from V.League 2022?

After two seasons of playing in two phases due to Covid-19 prevention measures, the V.League is gradually adapting to the new normal, although the availability of spectators will likely depend heavily on specific pandemic prevention conditions and the readiness of local stadium organizers to meet all requirements.

Currently, there is a lot of movement towardV.League2022 brought great encouragement to the football teams and their fans. Despite the immense difficulties caused by the pandemic, fortunately, many financially struggling teams are now receiving significant investment from new, more financially strong sponsors, such as Hai Phong, SLNA, Thanh Hoa, and Binh Dinh. These teams will be unpredictable dark horses in this tournament.

Van Lam will return to Japan two weeks early to prepare for the J1 League season. Photo: Cerezo Osaka

The comprehensive transformation, encompassing training and competition facilities, attracting talented coaches, acquiring skilled players, and organizing pre-season friendly tournaments, has created an atmosphere of excitement, anticipation, and confidence among teams that have long been content with poverty and lacked ambition to go far. Among them, SLNA is undoubtedly the first name that comes to mind, thanks to the renovation of the Vinh stadium and the return of a number of national team players… all aimed at bringing the team back to its former glory.

Naturally, top teams like Hanoi FC, Vietell FC, and HAGL are not sitting idly by while their rivals overtake them. A series of high-profile foreign players have been signed and participated in friendly tournaments to prove the "money spent" has paid off. Star players who have long been overlooked when called up to the national team are also ready to shine and prove that being called up, refreshing, and strengthening the squad is necessary and correct.

Meanwhile, the national team players are far from finished with four more World Cup third-round qualifying matches. The recent long training camps and matches have drained their time, energy, and mental strength, making it very difficult, if not impossible, to expect them to contribute to their clubs in the V.League.

The 2022 V-League will be played in a home and away format with 26 rounds. (Photo: Minh Duc)

Improvements in facilities, training and competition regimes, along with lessons learned from the second and third rounds of World Cup qualifiers, and the failure of the 2021 AFF Cup, will undoubtedly help Vietnamese football make the necessary shift in all aspects towards greater professionalism.

There are two forces on the field that must change their image if they don't want to fall behind: the players and the referees. After the referees' swift card decisions on international matches, players must minimize unnecessary movements and avoid unnecessary "V. League specialties" to focus entirely on the game. Meanwhile, referees must show a decisive and firm attitude towards any fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct, regardless of the player or team…

The 2022 season will be incredibly busy with many tournaments.Vietnam National TeamThis includes the Vietnam U23 team, clubs in the V. League, and regional and continental club competitions. The success of Vietnamese football will only come from a well-organized V. League, which serves as a foundation for selecting players for the national teams. With participation in many tournaments, serving various goals and ambitions, a new, creative, and professional approach is essential for success.

With years of experience playing in the V.League, Dinh Hoang will be an important player to help coach Huy Hoang refresh SLNA's playing style in the new season. Photo: Duc Anh

There will be no prolonged national team training camps like in 2021, nor will a single squad participate in more than one tournament. Instead, there must be timely and reasonable assignments and additions to address both the present and ensure long-term future security. This is Mr.Park Hang-seoAfter the SEA Games, focusing solely on the Vietnamese national team and "ceding" the U23 team to others—shouldn't that have been done sooner? Of course, assigning the players who just participated in the U21 tournament to the regional U21 qualifiers is necessary, along with many other urgent matters…

Therefore, the 2022 V. League will have many things to talk about and look forward to, especially the confirmation of who deserves to be called up to the Vietnam national team and the Vietnam U23 team, as coach Park Hang-seo is taking a firm stance to select and adjust the squad after what has been seen and known, both positively and negatively, in the past...

Phu Chau