V.League 2019: Which team has the strength to stop Hanoi?
(Baonghean.vn) - Before the 2019 season kicked off, the most intriguing question for many fans was which team had the potential to challenge Hanoi FC for the championship. Many teams have made thorough preparations; let's take a look at some of the teams considered to have a high chance of challenging the capital city's team.
1.Viettel - a candidate with the title of newcomer.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the 2019 V.League season is that newcomer Viettel is considered a strong contender for the championship.
With their bold moves in the transfer market, the descendants of The Cong are eager for a big ambition ahead.
They brought in quality domestic players. These include the number one center-back of the Vietnamese national team, Que Ngoc Hai, the outstanding midfielder of Quang Ninh, Vu Minh Tuan, and most recently, the renowned player from Nghe An, Nguyen Trong Hoang.
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| Que Ngoc Hai and Trong Hoang are the two most impressive signings for Viettel FC. Photo: AFC |
Furthermore, Viettel made a bold decision to hire a strategist from South Korea, Lee Heung Sil. This coach, born in 1961, previously managed Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, a team that has won the K.League six times and the AFC Champions League twice.
Viettel seems eager to assert its strength, perhaps as a move to rekindle the pride of the past era known as The Cong.
2.SLNA - Veteran returns home with new ambitions.
Unlike Viettel, before the season began, SLNA witnessed the return of a number of veterans after many years playing elsewhere. These included midfielder Quang Tình, who previously played for Can Tho, and Văn Bình and Đình Đồng, stars who had established themselves in the V.League for many years while playing for Thanh Hóa.
Olaha continues his association with the team based in Vinh. He and the other foreign players, carefully selected by the Nghe An team, are waiting for their chance to shine in the new season.
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| The return of many veteran players will make SLNA stronger in the 2018 season. Photo: AFC |
SLNA's 2019 season is a combination of young, mature players like Phan Van Duc, Dinh Hoang, Khac Ngoc, and seasoned veterans. Having finished 4th in the 2018 season, with a deeper squad, the Nghe An team is ready to surpass that ranking in the 2019 season.
3.Quang Ninh Coal - an intriguing enigma.
Including Than Quang Ninh in the list of teams that could challenge for the championship would surprise many. This year they have seen significant improvements in personnel, along with strong support from various businesses. Coach Phan Thanh Hung's team is feeling comfortable and confident as they aim for higher ambitions.
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| Than Quang Ninh will be an interesting wildcard. Photo: AFC |
Than Quang Ninh's squad for the 2019 season will include two strikers from the USA and Ivory Coast, and center-back Lastro Neven from Croatia. In addition, they welcome back Tien Duy, who played for Ho Chi Minh City FC last season, along with the quality addition of Le Sy Minh, a big star of Nam Dinh football in the 2018 season.
"I've never felt as confident about the team's personnel as I do this year. The team now has more positive support from our partner businesses. We are determined to finish in the top 3 of V.League 2019," shared coach Phan Thanh Hung.
4.Waiting for the return of SHB - Da Nang
Da Nang was once a powerhouse in the V.League, but they have declined considerably in recent years. Now, with coach Le Huynh Duc returning to lead the team, the team from the Han River promises to return to the strength of a former champion.
In reality, it's difficult to find a team in the current V.League that is on par with Hanoi FC. However, in a long-distance race, winning the championship depends on many different factors. Hopefully, when Chairman Hien's team shows high determination in the continental arena, the strength of the domestic league will decrease. That is a factor that promises to make this year's top race very exciting.
