U21 SLNA: There are thorns ahead!
(Baonghean.vn) - Only a few days left until the 2018 National U21 Finals, as usual, U21 SLNA is one of the teams that experts and domestic football fans are most interested in.
Before leaving for the 2018 National U21 Finals held in Hue City, Coach Nguyen Van Tien shared: “Objectively speaking, this year’s SLNA U21 squad is not as strong as previous years. They are all very young, born in 2000 and 2001, and have not had much experience in professional playgrounds.”
Indeed, compared to previous participations, U21 SLNA is much weaker than itself. For example, in the hands of coach Nguyen Van Tien, there is no truly outstanding face like Ho Thanh Thuong, Phan Thanh Hoan, Pham Van Quyen, Le Cong Vinh, Nguyen Trong Hoang, Nguyen Hong Viet, Tran Phi Son, Ho Phuc Tinh, Phan Van Duc... in the past.
Even the 2018 National U21 Finals is the first time that SLNA U21 does not have personnel reinforcements from the first team. In previous Finals, SLNA U21 squad also had at least a few faces who have fought in the V.League arena. In the 2017 National U21 Finals, Phan Van Duc and Pham Xuan Manh were two such cases.
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| SLNA U21 squad preparing to attend the 2018 National U21 Finals. Photo courtesy |
In addition, the fact that young SLNA players are rarely called up to the U16 and U19 Vietnam teams to participate in regional and continental tournaments also significantly affects the battle experience of the team led by coach Nguyen Van Tien. The U21 National Finals are extremely fierce, requiring a high level of both professional skills and competitive mentality.
The student is young, the teacher is not an "old fox". According to the investigation, this is the first time Coach Nguyen Van Tien has participated in the National U21 Finals as a captain. Although he has achieved many successes with U17 SLNA (champion in 2009), the former SLNA midfielder will still face many difficulties in the tournament for the U21 age group.
Not only that, U21 SLNA’s opponents in this tournament are also all difficult to play against. Coach Nguyen Van Tien admitted: “One of the strong opponents of the final round is U21 Hanoi – Hanoi B team just won 2nd place in the First Division and played the play-off match. In addition, Viettel also has half of its squad playing in the First Division. That’s not to mention HAGL or the host Hue.”
That does not mean that U21 SLNA has no chance to win the championship at the 2018 National U21 Finals. Although they do not have much experience, the talent of coach Nguyen Van Tien and his team is undeniable. The former player nicknamed Tien “Luc” is also considered a “good hand” coach in youth tournaments. Helping U17 SLNA win the championship in 2009 and become runner-up a few months ago is a typical example.
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| Coach Nguyen Van Tien is considered to have a "cool hand" in youth tournaments. Photo: Internet |
Coach Nguyen Van Tien still has some promising faces, such as goalkeeper Duong Van Cuong (best goalkeeper of the 2017 National U19 Finals), the defender duo Thai Ba Sang - Mai Sy Hoang (players of the Vietnam U19 team)... These are the great hopes of U21 SLNA as well as Nghe An fans at the tournament about to take place in the ancient capital.
After all, not being highly rated and not having too much expectation helps coach Nguyen Van Tien and his team avoid psychological pressure. In football, many times, thanks to a relaxed spirit, many teams have achieved glorious victories. The Danish team at Euro 1992 or the Portuguese team at Euro 2016 are clear proofs.
