SLNA: How can we find a way to overcome difficulties and find solutions?

To answer this question, let's look at the problems SLNA is facing. The first problem is funding. After a decade of partnership, Bac A seems to be the only "partner" of Nghe An football. We are very grateful to this sponsor, but with the current funding and approach, and with the people involved, it will be difficult for the Nghe An team to make a significant leap forward.

Looking ahead to V.League 2020

It is highly likely that Van Duc will have to "carry the team" in SLNA's attack next season. Photo: FBNV.

But in the V.League, it's not just SLNA that's facing similar difficulties; Nam Dinh, Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Hai Phong, and to some extent HAGL are also experiencing similar problems. The Vinh stadium pitch, despite being dubbed the "worst pitch in the Gulf of Tonkin," is still "decent" compared to the Lach Tray stadium and certainly more suitable for playing than the Ha Tinh stadium.

The initial budget of 51 billion VND for upgrading the Ha Tinh stadium is "like a drop in the ocean," with the lack of lighting and numerous other minimum requirements. Currently, Hong Linh - Ha Tinh has not yet been granted a stadium permit. The prospect of the men's team from the Lam River bank having to "borrow players" and then "borrow the stadium" is a real possibility.

Among the "poor" teams in the V.League, we also see Nam Dinh, Hai Phong, and HAGL. For Nam Dinh, apart from the departure of Van Quy, retaining players whose contracts are expiring is already considered a success, let alone bringing in "big-name" signings to Thien Truong Stadium.

For Hai Phong, the departure of coach Viet Hoang and 12 players means their fate is not much different from that of the team based in Vinh. Meanwhile, HAGL, with owner Doan Nguyen Duc having to downsize his business and sell off all his shares in real estate and hydropower companies, will naturally have to tighten its purse strings. In fact, some good players may even be sold, because Mr. Duc still believes that the V.League is just "for fun."

The bottleneck

Thus, difficulties are not unique to SLNA; about one-third of the V.League teams are facing a similar situation. And to be fair, for about a decade now, the Nghe An team has never had a "full" wallet (?!), so why worry? Getting sponsorship money on time is already a great stroke of luck.

The order to "avoid relegation" was given right from the first training session. Photo: TTT

In terms of technical ability, SLNA still has the core group of players like Van Khanh, Xuan Manh, and Van Duc, and the veterans Quang Tinh, Van Binh, and Dinh Dong can still carry the team for 10-12 matches next season. The biggest problem for the SLNA coaching staff, especially coach Quang Truong personally, is choosing which foreign players to buy.

Continuing to wait for foreign players to come to Vinh for trials carries significant risks in the selection process. Meanwhile, "re-signing" foreign players who have already played in the V.League is too late, and the remaining players, like Oseni (Hanoi FC), have just recovered from injuries, making the risk high. This is a difficult issue, crucial to SLNA's performance next season as they attempt to rejuvenate their squad.

If SLNA continues with the same formula of "one good foreign player and two bad foreign players" as in previous seasons, failing to get into rhythm in the first 7-8 rounds, they will face many problems. SLNA has a reputation for being a "diesel engine," often having a slow start to the season and dropping points unnecessarily.

Most surprisingly, last season, despite signing foreign players late and not participating in training as usual, SLNA had a smooth start with 2 wins and 1 draw. Looking at the first 6 matches of the season, 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss – this is SLNA's best start in many years. This spirit needs to be maintained this season; experience shows that a team with many young players will struggle if they falter early on.

According to the plan, the Super Cup match will take place on February 5, 2020, as a kick-off for the new season. The first round of the National Cup will be held on February 9; the V-League will officially kick off on February 22, and exactly one week later, the 2020 First Division will begin.

Fans in Nghe An province have probably sensed the difficulties faced by both sides, and the question of whether SLNA will be relegated has suddenly been answered. It seems that in the hearts of many Nghe An supporters, SLNA will forever be a team that will never be relegated.