SLNA will continue to lose points many times for this reason.

(Baonghean.vn) - Coach Nguyen Duc Thang can give tactical instructions, but in specific situations, he cannot stand on the field to show his players how to defend safely.

Objectively, the Nghe An team had a pretty satisfying match against Than Quang Ninh, who played quite disjointedly and without any strategy. All of the visitors' combinations were easily neutralized by the SLNA defense or could not get past the last blocker, Nguyen Manh. However, the disappointing draw at Vinh Stadium in the last round continued to reveal problems that people are all too familiar with when mentioning.

Without Phi Son, SLNA would not have had any points against Than Quang Ninh at home. Photo: Quynh Trang

During the 80 minutes at home, there were many times when coach Nguyen Duc Thang's players suffocated their opponents. The one who tormented Quang Ninh's defense was none other than Phi Son. A versatile, mischievous player who plays football with improvisation.

SLNA's attack created a lot of pressure on both wings, especially in the areas where Phi Son operated. It was just a pity that the central combinations initiated by Khac Ngoc did not receive the understanding of Olaha and Phuc Tinh. That was on the offensive side. As for the defensive and tactical aspects, SLNA needed to analyze.

In football, there is a concept of “offense to make up for defense”. The best defense is nothing other than attack. On the other hand, Than Quang Ninh’s counterattacks did not contain much danger. Because Xuan Manh had locked down Xuan Tu, similarly on the left wing of The Nhat. When scoring in the 68th minute, perhaps the home team made a mistake in not continuing to maintain pressure, giving the game back to the away team.

One goal is too fragile for any team, not just SLNA. After scoring the opening goal, Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's players still maintained their physical strength to hope to score more goals. I don't understand why the Nghe An team retreated too soon...

Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh needs to quickly improve his ability to get in and out in decisive situations. Photo: Quynh Trang

SLNA's defense would have had an excellent day if they had not been decisive in the situation of losing the ball so foolishly. As the captain, the one who commanded the defense, Nguyen Manh should have mastered that simple situation. Either Nguyen Manh gave the command and rushed out to control the situation, or stayed put and waited for the defender to resolve it. But in reality, SLNA's goalkeeper hesitated between rushing out and staying in the goal. It was not much different from the goal conceded in the second leg of the AFF Cup 2016 semi-final against Indonesia at My Dinh Stadium...

With an experienced central defender like Minh Duc, Nguyen Manh could not believe that he would leave the ball right in front of the opponent's striker and wait for the goalkeeper to come out. Minh Duc clearly gave Nguyen Manh a signal to come out to control.

The goal was the fault of the central defender, but the indirect cause came from the unreasonable calculation of the SLNA captain. Sitting in the stands, coach Nguyen Huu Thang certainly could not be satisfied with this play.

If such silly mistakes come from young people, it is completely understandable. However, Nguyen Manh and Minh Duc have a lot of battle experience. Right now, I think SLNA's coaching board should give the captain's armband to the central defender pair. That is the immediate problem, otherwise there will be a lot of work to do.

Anyway, a draw in a winning position is acceptable in the context that SLNA has not had time to add foreign players. Now, or never, players like Nguyen Manh can do well in their leading role for their teammates./.

Quynh Trang