SLNA will likely drop points many more times for this reason.

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

Objectively speaking, the Nghe An team had a rather impressive match against Than Quang Ninh, who played relatively poorly and lacked cohesion. All of the visitors' coordinated attacks were easily neutralized by the SLNA defense or failed to get past the last line of defense, Nguyen Manh. However, the frustrating draw in Vinh in the last round further exposed the problems that are all too familiar.

Without Phi Son, SLNA might not have even gotten a point against Than Quang Ninh at home. Photo: Quynh Trang

Throughout the 80 minutes at home, Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's players constantly pressured their opponents. The player who tormented Quang Ninh's defense was none other than Phi Son. A versatile, cunning player with a highly spontaneous style of play.

SLNA's attack created a lot of pressure on both flanks, especially in the areas where Phi Son operated. Unfortunately, the central midfield combinations initiated by Khac Ngoc lacked the understanding between Olaha and Phuc Tinh. That's from an attacking perspective. As for their defense and tactics, SLNA needs to make some improvements.

In football, there's a concept called "attack is better than defense." The best defense is nothing other than attack. On the other hand, Than Quang Ninh's counter-attacks didn't pose much danger. Xuan Manh had effectively neutralized Xuan Tu, as had The Nhat on the left wing. After scoring in the 68th minute, the home team probably made a mistake by not continuing to maintain pressure, ceding control of the game to the visitors.

One goal is too precarious for any team, not just SLNA. After scoring the opening goal, Coach Nguyen Duc Thang's players maintained their stamina to keep their hopes of scoring more. For some reason, the team from Nghe An retreated too early...

Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh needs to quickly improve his ability to come out of his goal in crucial situations. Photo: Quynh Trang

SLNA's defense would have had an excellent day if they hadn't been so indecisive in that silly goal conceded. As captain and commander of the defense, Nguyen Manh should have taken control of that simple situation. He should have either given the command and rushed out to control the situation, or held his ground and waited for the defenders to clear the ball. But in reality, the SLNA goalkeeper hesitated, wavering between rushing out and staying in goal. It wasn't much different from the goal conceded in the second leg of the 2016 AFF Cup semi-final against Indonesia at My Dinh Stadium...

With an experienced center-back like Minh Duc, Nguyen Manh couldn't believe he would leave the ball right in front of the opposing striker's feet and wait for the goalkeeper to come out. Minh Duc, on the other hand, had clearly signaled to Nguyen Manh to come out and control the ball.

The goal conceded was due to a mistake by the central defender, but the indirect cause stemmed from the poor tactical planning of the SLNA captain. Sitting in the stands, coach Nguyen Huu Thang certainly couldn't be happy with this play.

If such silly mistakes came from young players, it would be completely understandable. However, Nguyen Manh and Minh Duc are seasoned veterans. At this point, I think the SLNA coaching staff should give the captain's armband to the central defenders. That's the immediate issue; otherwise, there will be much more work to be done.

Nevertheless, a draw from a winning position is acceptable, especially considering SLNA hasn't yet signed any foreign players. Now or never, players like Nguyen Manh can effectively lead their teammates.

Quynh Trang