What tactics did Hoang Anh Gia Lai use in the match against Song Lam Nghe An?

Last summer,Hoang Anh Gia Laisuccessively said goodbye to 3 important pillars in the midfield: Tran Minh Vuong, Chau Ngoc Quang and Dung Quang Nho. These are not only familiar names to the fans of the Mountain City but also players who have worn and are wearing the National Team jersey, who have carried the team through many ups and downs.

In particular, Minh Vuong and Ngoc Quang were once considered the "brains" in Hoang Anh Gia Lai's playing style. One was sharp in set pieces, the other had the ability to dribble skillfully, creating breakthroughs on the wing. Their departure was no different than draining the tactical lifeblood of coach Le Quang Trai.

Meanwhile, new contracts such as Hoang Vinh Nguyen, Rayan Ha or Tran Gia Huy have not left a significant mark. What they have shown only makes fans feel more regretful for the old players.

If the domestic players are weak, the foreign players are even more disappointing. Midfielder Marciel – who was considered a mainstay last season – has now visibly declined. Newcomer Khevin Fraga can only "carry the load" thanks to his physical strength and speed, and his playing style has yet to catch up with the team's playing style.

Gabriel Conceicao, who was supposed to replace Washington Brandao in attack, has been a shadow so far. He can’t block well, can’t be a wall, can’t press effectively – the bare minimum a striker needs. His presence on the pitch has left almost no significant mark.

Last season, Hoang Anh Gia Lai was very dangerous in wing attacks and set pieces, especially thanks to Minh Vuong’s right foot and Ngoc Quang’s penetrating ability. Now, those two “strategic cards” are no longer there. Along with Marciel’s decline, the team from the mountain town has completely lost the attacking style that once made its brand.

No more sharp splits, no more sudden free kicks, Hoang Anh Gia Lai became easier to predict than ever. Opponents understood that and always had plans to block set pieces – which used to be the “secret weapon” of Mr. Duc’s team.

With that situation, the 2 points they got after 4 rounds were still too lucky results for Hoang Anh Gia Lai. Indeed, if it weren't for the excellent saves of goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, it's unlikely the team from the mountain town would have won 2 valuable draws against their opponents, Hanoi Club and PVF-CAND. It's not an exaggeration to say that it was Trung Kien who saved the honor of the team from the mountain town during this difficult period.

Without changes in both personnel and tactics, Hoang Anh Gia Lai could very well soon fall into the relegation race this season - a scenario that has become quite familiar to the Mountain City team in recent years. Especially when,V.LeagueThe competition is getting more and more fierce, the opponents are getting more and more perfect, but Hoang Anh Gia Lai is falling behind with an inexperienced and low-quality squad.

The Mountain City team cannot live forever on nostalgia for the talented players who have passed away. It is time for them to rebuild from the ground up – if they do not want to continue “hunting without a gun” for the rest of the season.

Spring Quy