SLNA and what needs to be done immediately!

Having to play 8 matches from July 31st to August 22nd, 2021, with a match every 3 days, was a real challenge for them.SLNAAt this time, all 14 V.League teams are facing difficulties playing in hot weather, which drains the players' energy. But SLNA is at a greater disadvantage due to the significant gap between their starting and reserve players, especially considering that their foreign players are still a "secret weapon."

Some disadvantages

SLNA will lose their morale boost if they have to play their second round match behind closed doors. Photo: Duc Anh

Another disadvantage is that despite the urgent repairs to Vinh Stadium, the VFF and VPF will find it difficult to implement a home-and-away format because the schedule does not support clubs traveling extensively. The VPF has proposed that the second phase of the V.League be organized in a centralized location without spectators. SLNA seems to disapprove of this option, but playing at Vinh Stadium is highly unlikely to be implemented.

There may be some adjustments to the venues for the next phase of the season, as desired by HAGL and Binh Dinh, differing from the VPF's proposed nine venues: Hang Day, Cam Pha, Lach Tray, Thien Truong, Thanh Hoa, Viet Tri, Hanoi Youth Football Training Center, PVF, and Thanh Tri. However, playing matches in a centralized location to ensure the organization of the 2021 season seems unchangeable.

This is unfortunate for SLNA, because not being able to play at Vinh Stadium means SLNA will lose a source of moral support, which is a major disadvantage for them, especially considering the significant efforts the new management has made with the fans and the media.

Physical strength and courage

To have an official plan, it needs to be approved by the VFF, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the opinions of the clubs, but perhaps the SLNA coaching staff should start planning for such a packed schedule now. Clearly, Văn Đức, the "ace" in the relegation battle, will find it difficult to play all 5 matches in 22 days. Immediately after the draw, the coaching staff must consider and calculate which matches Văn Đức will start and which he will rest.

SLNA players often run out of energy quickly. Photo: Duc Anh

The relegation battle is a grueling test of the players' physical endurance and competitive spirit. With such a demanding schedule, win or lose, the SLNA coaching staff and players must quickly put the results behind them to focus on the next stage. The training intensity is quite high, perhaps even the highest in the V.League, so SLNA players often run out of energy quickly. The two red cards at the beginning of the season, besides defenders being out of position, were also due to a lack of stamina in speed races against opponents.

Currently, Hai Phong, Saigon, and Ho Chi Minh City clubs, direct rivals in the V.League relegation battle, are significantly strengthening their squads. This forces the SLNA club management and coaching staff to find solutions to add personnel and practice new tactical approaches. For more than 10 years, relying solely on two formations, 4-4-2 and 4-5-1, has resulted in a lack of creativity and breakthroughs in the team's playing style.

For example, Pham Xuan Manh is a player who can play on both wings, as a defender or midfielder, but is positioning this former national team player at right-back the optimal solution? How to integrate new foreign players to score goals early in the race is also a complex issue...