Thanh Hoa lost to Viettel 0-1, Coach Choi points out the reason.
Losing 0-1 to The Cong Viettel in round 9 of V.League 2025/26, Dong A Thanh Hoa only has 7 points. Coach Choi criticized the team for being outplayed in the first half and wasting time in the second; injuries were not an excuse.
Dong A Thanh Hoa lost 0-1 to The Cong Viettel in round 9 of the V.League 2025/26, remaining stuck in the lower half of the table with 7 points. Coach Choi Won Kwon admitted that his team was outplayed in the first half and failed to capitalize on opportunities after the break, considering this the key reason for the defeat.
The crucial moment: an early goal changed the course of the game.
Coach Choi addressed the technical issues directly at crucial moments: “The Cong Viettel played better, especially in the first half. If we hadn't conceded early, we would have had a chance to earn points. However, despite having opportunities in the second half, the players failed to capitalize on them, and that was the main reason for the defeat.”
After conceding a goal, Thanh Hoa made an effort to push their formation higher after the break. However, their efficiency in the final third of the pitch remained a major weakness, as opportunities arose but were not converted into goals.
Key player injuries: a harsh reality, but no excuse.
Thanh Hoa suffered a series of injuries to players such as Lucas, Thai Son, A Mit, and Doan Ngoc Tan. However, coach Choi affirmed that professional standards do not allow for excuses: “In football, there is no room for excuses. … if the players on the field cannot perform, they will never have another chance. Professionalism is shown through results, and today Viettel did better.”
The message that is repeated throughout is: opportunities to compete must be rewarded with quality performances, regardless of circumstances.
Young players and a benchmark for progress.
Regarding Le Van Thuan, the South Korean coach emphasized the young player's self-responsibility: "Van Thuan has ability, but if he doesn't make an effort himself, he won't be able to improve... I gave him the opportunity not because he played well, but because the team had no other choice."
He also acknowledged that language barriers affect the training and development process, and advised: "To prove themselves, they need to show their abilities at the club level before dreaming of the national team."
Statistics after 9 rounds and their impact on the overall situation.
After 9 matches, Thanh Hoa has 1 win, 4 draws, and 4 losses, accumulating 7 points and placing them in the lower half of the table. Their low point total puts significant pressure on the team for the remainder of the season.
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Round played | 9 |
| Win | 1 |
| Peace | 4 |
| Lose | 4 |
| Point | 7 |
| Location | Bottom half of the table |
If Thanh Hoa doesn't soon improve its morale and professionalism, it risks being dragged deeper into a fierce relegation battle in the second half of the season.
Tactical highlights and messaging
- Being outplayed in the first half and conceding an early goal ruined the match plan.
- There were opportunities in the second half, but the finishing and decision-making were not up to par.
- Despite the absence of many key players, professional standards and discipline remain mandatory benchmarks.
- Young players need to work hard to earn their place in the team before thinking about higher levels.
