SLNA’s Phan Văn Đức (left) attempts a bicycle kick against Hải Phòng in the V.League 1 over the weekend. Photo toquoc.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI Following a 3-0 victory against Hải Phòng over the weekend, coach Nguyễn Huy Hoàng credited improved positional play and nerves of steel as the reason behind Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA) good results in the V.League 1.

SLNA's confident style was on full display against Hải Phòng. After the defeat in the previous round, SLNA removed all psychological burdens ahead of the clash with the team at the top of the table. And, unlike the predictions, SLNA entered the game confidently.

"We started the game very well, creating pressure on the opponent's goal. And with that, we surprised Hải Phòng's defence and caused confusion. That helped my players to be more confident in attack," said coach Hoàng.

SLNA are striving for perfective in each match. Against Hải Phòng, the training board swapped Quế Ngọc Hải and Hoàng Văn Khánh around the field. This helped SLNA's defence play discreetly, creating a fulcrum for the attack.

"We are improving all positions. After the training period and through the matches in the national premier league, the coaching staff has discussed and built the best options for each position as well as how to operate the game. That is the key to helping the team play better and better. The players all follow the instructions given by the coach.

“Steel spirit and beautiful victory are the goals that we always aim for. Demonstrating these philosophies will help SLNA attract more spectators to the field. I am very happy with my team," Hoàng added.

On the loss of Hải Phòng, Chu Đình Nghiêm said: "It doesn't matter when we lose 1-0 or 3-0. We didn’t have the service of striker Rimario Allando Gordon so our lines of attack didn’t have a destination. Our replacement was not good enough to operate the same style of play as the main team. If the gap was only one goal, we could change.”

Talking about midfielder Phan Văn Đức of SLNA, Nghiêm praised: "Đức may not play well the whole match, but in just a moment he can score goals."

Đức contributed to SLNA's 3-0 victory against Hải Phòng at Vinh Stadium. His beautiful goal in the 61st minute helped brought the score to 2-0, though he did receive a yellow for taking off his shirt in celebration. This was Đức's second goal in the league.

Khánh got the opener for SLNA in the 10th minute after a messy situation in the penalty area. In the 70th minute, Phạm Xuân Mạnh headed home, sealing a 3-0 victory for the SLNA.

SLNA will meet arch rivals Hà Nội FC next on July 31 at Hàng Đẫy Stadium. VNS