Song Lam Nghe An and the defensive crisis.

Round 21 of V.League 2024/2025Lam River, Nghe AnThey will have a challenging away match at Lạch Tray Stadium against Hải Phòng.

After their 0-1 defeat against The Cong Viettel in round 20, the Nghe An team has been unable to escape the relegation battle. Currently, coach Phan Nhu Thuat's team is ranked 12th in the standings, only 3 points ahead of Binh Dinh - the second-to-last team - but having played one more match. The 5-point gap with bottom-placed Da Nang is also not safe with 6 rounds remaining. Therefore, the match against Hai Phong is considered crucial, potentially directly impacting Song Lam Nghe An's survival goal.

However, at this crucial time, the Nghe An team is facing a series of difficulties regarding its squad, especially in the defense. The simultaneous absence of many key players due to injuries and suspensions has plunged Song Lam Nghe An's defensive system into a serious crisis.

Specifically, left-back Vuong Van Huy, who has consistently performed well and been a reliable defensive anchor since the beginning of the season, has suffered an injury and will be out for at least a week. In addition, Le Van Thanh is unavailable due to accumulating three yellow cards, while key center-back Hoang Van Khanh is still recovering from injury and is almost certain to miss the match. Furthermore, Vietnam U20 national team player Le Nguyen Hoang is also experiencing groin muscle problems and is unlikely to recover in time for this match.

The severe personnel shortage has made defensive tactics extremely difficult for the Song Lam Nghe An coaching staff. Especially since the team's playing style is built on a solid and stable defense, losing key players simultaneously could affect the entire tactical system.

At this point, coach Phan Như Thuật only has three players available to play center back: Zaracho, Trần Nam Hải, and Hồ Khắc Lương. However, the situation is not very promising. Zaracho has only recently returned from injury and is not yet in his best physical condition. Khắc Lương has been out of action since the end of 2024 and his ability to adapt to the intensity of the game remains a big question mark. Of these, only Trần Nam Hải has maintained consistent form, having played in the last two consecutive matches and performing quite well. He is almost certain to be the optimal choice in the center of the four-man defense that Sông Lam Nghệ An usually uses.

At left-back, the absence of Vuong Van Huy poses a significant challenge. The most likely replacement is Nguyen Mai Hoang. Despite possessing good physical fitness and a balanced ability to support both attack and defense, the 2005-born player lacks experience at the highest level. At times, this young player has lacked confidence in his handling of the ball. If he can improve his mentality and maintain consistency, Mai Hoang could provide temporary stability to the left flank of the Nghe An team.

Faced with a defensive crisis, the Song Lam Nghe An coaching staff will clearly have to carefully consider their tactics. One of the key solutions is to reduce pressure on the defense by controlling the ball better and organizing defensive play from afar. Midfielders Khac Ngoc and Quang Vinh will play a crucial role in maintaining the tempo of the game, minimizing dangerous turnovers, and transitioning from defense to attack effectively.

Furthermore, Song Lam Nghe An needs to strengthen its high-pressure pressing ability to make it difficult for opponents to build up play. By doing this, the team from Nghe An will minimize the risks from their makeshift defense. In addition, Song Lam Nghe An can be more proactive in creating attacking opportunities. Good control of the game will help the defenders avoid being put in a passive position and under constant pressure, which can lead to mistakes.

Despite facing numerous difficulties, fighting spirit is always highly valued at Song Lam Nghe An. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat will certainly demand that his players fight with all their might, playing with more than 100% of their ability to aim for points away from home.

Difficulties are undeniable, but with the right tactics and a fierce fighting spirit, the Nghe An team can certainly hope for a positive result at Lach Tray Stadium.