Sông Lam Nghệ An vs Nam Định in the V.League 1 on Sunday. — Photo baonghean.vn

NGHỆ AN — Following their 0-1 loss to Nam Định in the V.League 1 on Sunday, coach Phan Như Thuật of Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA) said his players need more time to improve.

"In this match, my team performed well and strictly adhered to my tactics. A draw would have been a more reasonable result," Thuật said after the match.

While SLNA's young players showed progress against a strong opponent, coach Thuật believes that there is still room for improvement.

"The entire team have been developing well lately, but we need to maintain focus during the final minutes of the game. We must overcome the impatience that comes with youth," Thuật said.

Regarding the situation at the end of the match that led to the referee consulting VAR, Thuật added: "VAR was introduced to ensure fairness and provide more accurate support to the referees. Therefore, I have no opinion and trust the decisions made with the assistance of VAR."

Meanwhile, coach Vũ Hồng Việt of Nam Định acknowledged the challenge posed by SLNA prior to the match. He described them as a formidable opponent with young, strong players who apply a fast-paced approach.

"In this match, part of Vinh Stadium's pitch was poor, hindering our ability to execute a coordinated, fast-attacking style of play," Việt explained.

Việt also spoke highly of two young players from SLNA, Phan Văn Đại and goalkeeper Nguyễn Văn Việt.

"Đại possesses impressive speed and technique. As for goalkeeper Việt, I had the opportunity to work with him in the national U17 team. He has shown significant improvement, especially in his ability to play with his feet. He represents a new generation of goalkeepers," Việt praised. VNS

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