V.League 2023 returns: Waiting for Song Lam Nghe An's change

Strengthening the defense

Despite the addition of center-back Vytas Gaspuitis, the defense ofLam River Nghe Anhas not yet brought peace of mind to Nghe An fans. The match in which Nghe An's defense played best was the 0-0 draw against host Dong A Thanh Hoa. And this is also the only match coach Huy Hoang used the 5-3-2 formation in the first 4 matches of V.League 2023.

In the remaining matches, Song Lam Nghe An's defense often lacked concentration, especially at the end of the matches. That was the goal conceded in the 45th minute of the opening match against SHB Da Nang or the situation of losing the victory in the 90+3 minute of the away match at 19/8 Nha Trang. This is one of the weaknesses that the Nghe team needs to overcome. Especially when Song Lam Nghe An has not yet met the "giants" of the current V.League.

Fans hope that center back Vytas Gaspuitis will help Song Lam Nghe An's defense improve in the upcoming matches. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Besides, the worry about high balls will still be a headache for coach Huy Hoang. When 3 out of 4 goals that Song Lam Nghe An has conceded so far have come from headers from the opposing team's strikers. The presence of center-back Vytas Gaspuitis has somewhat helped the Nghe team not to be at a disadvantage in aerial situations. However, this Lithuanian center-back still seems to have no understanding with his new teammates. Hopefullybreak timeThe recent experience will help this 1m97 tall center back find a connection with captain Que Ngoc Hai and other teammates.

The solidity in the defense will be the premise for the Nghe An team to get good results. Especially when in the upcoming matches, coach Huy Hoang and his team will have to face quality attacks like Becamex Binh Duong with the duo Rimario, Tien Linh or the foreign players of the newly emerging giant Nam Dinh Steel Blue.

Strengthening the attack

Like the defense, Song Lam Nghe An's offense still cannot satisfy Nghe An fans when after 4 matches they only scored 4 goals. The Nghe An team's attacks are not smooth and are heavily dependent on the creativity of veteran Trong Hoang. Along with that is the wasted opportunities of the duo Olaha and Jordy Soladio.

However, the foreign duo seemed to start finding each other in attack. In the match against the ClubKhanh HoaIt was this duo who scored for Song Lam Nghe An. Hopefully after the recent break, their understanding will be further strengthened to help the Nghe team's attack improve when V.League returns.

Striker Soladio is starting to find harmony with Olaha in attack. Photo: Xuan Thuy

In addition, there is the problem of improving the effectiveness of Song Lam Nghe An's attacks from set pieces. In previous matches, the Nghe An team enjoyed many free kicks and corner kicks. However, they could not take advantage of the height of foreign players or the good aerial ability of Xuan Manh and Que Ngoc Hai. The neighboring team Hong Linh Ha Tinh is an example for Song Lam Nghe An to follow, as the free kicks of coach Nguyen Thanh Cong's team are a fear for all opponents. When the match is at a stalemate, set pieces are the best option for the Nghe An team to make a difference.

In addition, the precious break time will help Song Lam Nghe An have more key players return after injury. The attacks on the right wing of Tran Dinh Tien or the quality free kicks ofDinh Xuan Tienwill be what Nghe An fans are waiting for.

Midfielder Dinh Xuan Tien has not been in his best form after his injury. Photo: Xuan Thuy

The next 3 matches in V.League will be 3 decisive matches for Song Lam Nghe An's goal of entering the top 8. Because in the final matches in phase 1 of V.League 2023, the Nghe team will meet very strong teams. If they cannot accumulate a fair number of points, coach Huy Hoang and his team will not be able to have a psychological advantage before entering these difficult matches.

Tomorrow (April 1), Song Lam Nghe An will welcomeQuang Nam Clubin the first round of the National Cup. This will be a valuable test for the Nghe team before the return of V.League 2023. Fans hope that coach Huy Hoang and his team will make good use of the recent break to perfect their playing style.