SLNA's disappointing start: Blame yourself first, then blame others

SLNA is paying a heavy price for not being able to bring in a foreign central defender early to stabilize the squad. During most of the preparation time for V.League 2021, the Nghe An team only had 1 friendly match against HL Ha Tinh and internal matches, instead of friendly matches or training tournaments.

In those matches, the central defender pairs that SLNA's coaching staff built were all domestic players, Van Khanh - Ba Sang or Van Khanh - The Nhat. The fact that Igor Jelic could not play made SLNA's central defender pair not the best choices in the past two matches.

In the match against Binh Dinh, it was also the lack of coordination and unreasonable distance between Van Khanh - Ba Sang that forced Van Khanh to commit a foul. In the match againstHAGL, the ability to cover each other of Ba Sang and The Nhat was not good, which gave Van Toan a chance to escape. Young center back Thai Ba Sang was too immature when he committed the foul.

Hoang Van Khanh's first red card caused SLNA to face difficulties in the match against HAGL. Photo: VPF

In general, SLNA's central defenders did not have enough time and matches to catch up with the V.League. Both situations where SLNA received red cards came from the distance between the two central defenders. This also led to bad consequences later.

In the two consecutive red cards of Van Khanh and Ba Sang, it is difficult to blame the referee because those were situations where SLNA players had unnecessary movements. This is common with young players or depends on each person's playing style.

As soon as V.League 2021 started, foreign player Bruno Henrique suffered a muscle strain and was still unable to play. SLNA was forced to urgently register striker Filipe Martins and this was certainly not the best option. The time for Martins to practice with SLNA was very short, he was just a backup option.

On the attack line, Martins is only a backup option when Bruno Henrique is injured. Photo: VPF

In the match against HAGL, Martins scored 1 goal but overall this player still did not meet the requirements. Despite being short-handed, SLNA still had very clear opportunities. The most typical were 2 close-range shots by Martins in 6 shooting opportunities with 4 shots on target and only 1 goal.

Obviously, SLNA's attacking style is too dependent on Phan Van Duc. If Van Duc is unfortunately absent, the Nghe An team will face even more difficulties. Wearing the captain's armband, but the 1996-born player cannot command the defense without Van Khanh.

After 2 matches, it can be seen that Binh Dinh and HAGL are not strong teams and SLNA missed the opportunity to have 6 points to lead. Poor preparation has brought about very unpredictable consequences. Having only 1 point after 2 matches will make the opportunity to enter the group of 6 strong teams even narrower for the teachers and students.Coach Quang Truongbecause the first leg has 13 laps.

SLNA's defenders need to be more alert when facing fouls in front of the penalty area. Photo: VPF

No wins yet, 2 matches conceded 3 goals, but looking optimistically, SLNA's spirit and playing style are generally quite good. Especially in counter-attack situations. Key players such as goalkeeper Van Hoang, Van Duc, Xuan Manh, Dinh Chau are still playing at a high level.

The most important thing for the players right now is to stabilize their spirit and play with more concentration and alertness. Surely Van Khanh and Ba Sang have also learned their lesson. And another small good sign is that new player Igor Jelic brought a lot of confidence in the first few minutes of being put on the field.

SLNA only has 2 central defenders who can play

While Van Khanh is still suspended, central defender Le Thanh Lam has been loaned to Dak Lak Club. In the next match, SLNA only has Igor Jelic and The Nhat left, without any backup central defenders.

Playing with one less man, SLNA lost to HAGL in Pleiku

(Baonghean.vn) - Playing with one more player for most of the match against SLNA, HAGL had their first victory in V.League 2021 when they came from behind to defeat the Nghe An team at home in Pleiku in round 2.