SLNA squad for the 2024 - 2025 National Cup final
Photo: Pham An
SLNA: Bad start, good end
SLNA entered the 2024-2025 season with many worries and the reality on the pitch has proven that when the Nghe An team fell into the "red light" zone, with the constant danger of relegation hanging over their heads.
The situation was so tense at times that the team's leadership had to find a way to "rotate" the head coach position in the hope of changing fortunes. The fact that Cong Vinh agreed to return and then "turned around" made expectations turn into worries.
The atmosphere became even more uncertain when there was information that sponsor Tan Long would withdraw after the 2024-2025 season. But then the story of Cong Vinh not returning became the first boost for SLNA.
SLNA players have become much stronger after 2-3 seasons of testing.
Photo: Pham An
Young General Phan Nhu Thuat, when given trust, gradually encouraged the spirit and pride of the players. Then when SLNA borrowed two important names, Khac Ngoc and Van Khanh, returning from Nam Dinh Club, that foundation gradually improved.
And once again, SLNA successfully survived the brink of relegation in a spectacular way. Coach Phan Nhu Thuat and his team even caused a stir when they defeated a series of big names, including Binh Duong Club, to reach the final of the National Cup.
Despite a heavy 0-5 defeat against Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) in the National Cup final, SLNA's revival and play of youthful, vibrant football made Vinh Stadium feel a packed, fiery atmosphere for the first time in many years.
More secure for the future
This young SLNA deserves the support and patience from fans.
Photo: Minh Tu
It's been a long time since Vinh Stadium has been this packed.
Photo: Pham An
The defeat against the star players of CAHN Club helped people see the huge gap between the youngest SLNA team in V-League and the champion who won the championship and was crowned in V-League 2023 and reached the final of the Southeast Asian Club Championship.
But compared to SLNA in the past 2 seasons, the Nghe An team has actually made quite clear progress, shaping their playing style with a suitable framework of Van Viet - Van Khanh - Khac Ngoc - Olaha.
The fact that sponsor Tan Long continues to be associated with the team next season, along with the joint efforts of other sponsors, each contributing a little, has eased SLNA's tense financial situation.
Thanks to that, they successfully tied down the main striker Olaha despite many big names approaching, and re-signed two experienced pillars Khac Ngoc and Van Khanh to serve as a support for other young players to grow.
Coach Phan Nhu Thuat is helping SLNA go in the right direction.
Photo: Minh Tu
In the U.23 Vietnam team currently gathering at Ba Ria Stadium to prepare for the upcoming U.23 Southeast Asian tournament 2025, there are 5 SLNA names called including Van Binh, Xuan Tien, Van Cuong, Long Vu, Quang Vinh besides Nam Hai who has just recovered from injury on the waiting list.
This brings a certain pride to Nghe An fans because it has been a long time since they have seen many "hometown" rising stars in the U.23 Vietnam team preparing for a major tournament.
Today, June 30, the 5 names summoned by Coach Kim Sang-sik will fly to Ho Chi Minh City and move to Ba Ria City to join the team, with a completely different self-confidence after having successfully reached the National Cup final.
After 2-3 years of continuous training and harsh training in the top environment of V-League, the young players of SLNA have become much stronger and more stable, with confidence about the future becoming increasingly evident.
That will be the foundation for SLNA to confidently aim for stronger and brighter seasons to come, so that everyone can see that they are a team that may not have won the championship but deserves to receive support, with more spectators at Vinh Stadium.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/slna-tre-trung-xung-dang-duoc-ung-ho-nhieu-hon-185250630112834718.htm
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