PVF-CAND parts ways with coach Thach Bao Khanh after 11 rounds of V-League.

PVF-CAND terminated its contract with coach Thach Bao Khanh after 11 rounds of the LPBank V-League 2025/26. The league's newcomers only managed 1 win, 5 draws, and 5 losses, earning 8 points, placing them 12th and just one point ahead of bottom-placed SHB Da Nang. The decision came amidst a series of unconvincing results and the need for an immediate boost for the next phase.

Midseason decision and the picture of the 11 rounds

With only 8 points after 11 matches, PVF-CAND is in a dangerous position. Their stagnation is evident in their low win rate (1/11) and the narrow gap between them and the bottom team. For a newly promoted team, this start has not met expectations, forcing the management to take action to avoid sinking deeper into the relegation battle.

The decision to part ways with coach Thach Bao Khanh was aimed at finding personnel more suitable for short-term goals: stabilizing the team, improving performance, and accumulating points. While acknowledging his efforts, the coaching staff concluded that a change was necessary to turn the situation around in time.

Candidate for the hot seat: Nguyen Thanh Cong

PVF-CAND has initiated negotiations with Nguyen Thanh Cong, the former coach of Ha Tinh. This coach has repeatedly been tasked with "rescuing" struggling teams in the relegation battle, such as Saigon FC, Thanh Hoa, and Quang Nam. After parting ways with Ha Tinh at the end of last season and taking a break for nearly half a year, he is considered a suitable option to revive the police force's football team.

It is expected that, if the agreements are finalized, PVF-CAND will make an official announcement when the team reconvenes on November 24th. This timeframe will allow the new coach some initial preparation for the next phase of the season.

Tactical and psychological aspects: the challenge facing PVF-CAND.

The new head coach faces a dual challenge: stabilizing the team's mentality and upgrading its tactical organization. The team needs a more solid defensive structure, clearer situational awareness, and improved ability to transform draws into victories. Every aspect, from training schedules and player recruitment to in-game operations, will be reviewed to restore rhythm.

At the bottom of the table, every point can shape the entire season. Therefore, short-term plans should focus on discipline, minimizing errors, and optimizing crucial moments. The medium-term goal is to get the team out of the relegation zone before considering a more sustainable playing style.

Selective statistics

• Tournament: LPBank V-League 2025/26
• After 11 rounds: 1 win, 5 draws, 5 losses
• Total score: 8
• Current position: 12th
• Distance from the bottom of the table: 1 point ahead of SHB Da Nang.

Changing coaches mid-season always carries risks, but in the current circumstances, PVF-CAND needs a boost in both morale and organization. If they can regain stability at the right time, the team has a basis to move away from the relegation zone and set realistic goals for the remainder of the season.