Nguyễn Văn Quyết of Hà Nội FC (in white) vies for the ball with Sài Gòn FC players in the V.League 1 on Tuesday. — Photo vietnamnet.vn

Football

HÀ NỘI — Coach Chun Jae-ho of Hà Nội FC has acknowledged difficulties in the championship race after being held to a draw by Sài Gòn FC in the V.League 1 2022.

"After phase 1, we were nine points ahead of our opponents. That is a big advantage. In the second phase, we reminded our players that the team would face many difficulties, so the team had to try and make every effort in each match. Not only the V.League 1, but any tournament in the world is also the same. The championship race is always challenging," coach Chun said.

Hà Nội faced many difficulties in the match against Sài Gòn at Thống Nhất Stadium in HCM City on Tuesday. It was only thanks to Nguyễn Văn Quyết's excellence in the last minute of injury time that the capital side salvaged a valuable point.

"Quyết is the captain. He has shown his role in the past, plus with a lot of experience. I believe he will play well if coach Park Hang-seo of the national team gives him the opportunity in the upcoming matches," Chun said.

"I congratulated him for his return to the national team after two years, and it was an honour for him. In terms of ability, I have always trusted him. As for the advice, I think he needs to exchange with coach Park more," Chun added.

Meanwhile, coach Phùng Thanh Phương was quite disappointed that his team lost the victory at the last minute.

Phương said: "I am very sorry and sad because of this result. We tried for 90 minutes, we thought we would win but in the end failed. If we took all three points in this match, our chances of staying in the league would be much higher."

Phương also praised Quyết on his performance and recall to the national squad.

Quyết said the chance to represent his country once more is both an honour and a responsibility.

"I thank coach Park for recognising my efforts recently. Wearing the national team's jersey is an honour and a great responsibility. I will try to integrate and play well," Quyết said. VNS