Strong in attack and solid in defence, Hà Nội FC Nguyễn Thành Chung (centre) is a key part of Hà Nôi's squad. Photo sport5.vn

HÀ NỘI — After the departure of number one star Nguyễn Quang Hải, Hà Nội FC coach Chun Jae-ho is keen on keeping his remaining key players for the V.League 1 that will return this Sunday.

Defender Nguyễn Thành Chung is top of the list, particularly as his contract expires in September 2022.

Rumours have been circulating that Hải Phòng wants to sign the 24-year-old, leading to calls from Chun to offer Chung a new contract as soon as possible.

“I hope Hà Nội will keep Thành Chung at all cost,” Chun said.

“Chung is a really good player. On the training ground, I see him as the best centre-back in Việt Nam at the moment.

“Quang Hải was a very important player for us before he left, but Hà Nội still has many other quality players.

“Without Hải, we still stick to our gameplay which is to attack and control the match rapidly. In addition, I will also train our players to be more effective in counter-attacks.”

Despite having one of the best squads in the tournament, injuries are currently a big headache for Chun with key players like Văn Xuân, Duy Mạnh and Djuro Zec out of action. 

These injuries make Chung’s contact expansion even more vital for the club.

“Currently, the team has many injuries, so we need to consider carefully. Other than that, I’m very satisfied with the team’s preparation,” said the 42-year-old Korean.

“We have had good preparation, with a two months period before the V.League returns. The team has spent two weeks training in Đà Nẵng and one-week training in Hà Nội.”

On June 26, Hà Nội FC will face Nam Định at Thiên Trường Stadium, marking the return of V.League 1.

With seven points, Hà Nội are currently in 4th place, one point behind league-leaders Hải Phòng.

If they beat Nam Định, the capital side will go top of the table, at least temporarily, for the first time in over two years. VNS