CLB Ninh Bình 'bets' on Coach Vu Tien Thanh

The decision to invite HAGL's General Director Vu Tien Thanh to serve as interim head coach is not only a bold move by Ninh Binh FC's leadership after three consecutive losses but also puts HAGL in a difficult position. As the season enters its decisive phase, this personnel shift could trigger unpredictable chain reactions.

After parting ways with Spanish coach Gerard Albadalejo due to three consecutive defeats, Ninh Binh FC made a strong move by borrowingMr. Vu Tien Thanhfrom HAGL to temporarily steer the off-course ship.

The decision is considered quite surprising in the context whereNinh Binhhas dropped to third place with 27 points, trailing the league leader CAHN by 8 points and having played one more match.

Ninh Binh, which initially seemed to prefer a foreign coach after replacing Coach Viet Thang with Coach Gerard Albadalejo earlier this season, has now changed its mind.

Mr. Vu Tien Thanh is accustomed to the General Director role as he lacks the Pro Coach license required by V-League regulations. This leads to him being registered as the interim head coach at Ninh Binh.

This situation is similar to how Becamex TP.HCM appointed General Director Dang Tran Chinh to replace Coach Anh Duc earlier this season.

Most recently, Mr. Dang Tran Chinh had to have Japanese coach Ueno Nobuhiro registered as the official head coach of Becamex TP.HCM, although in practice Mr. Chinh still holds significant influence.

Ninh Binh FC places high hopes on the experience and pragmatism of Coach Vu Tien Thanh. This manager once led Sai Gon FC to a third-place finish in the 2020 V-League through disciplined and effective play. This remains the pinnacle achievement of his domestic coaching career.

The current Ninh Binh squad is not lacking in star players but lacks stability, having lost key striker Daniel, and new signings have yet to integrate. Perhaps what Ninh Binh needs now is not attractive football but minimalistic victories.

At Ninh Binh FC, Coach Vu Tien Thanh will reunite with former proteges who developed at HAGL, such as Quang Nho, Bao Toan, Quoc Viet... This familiarity could help him quickly tighten discipline and provide a morale boost. His debut match against SHB Da Nang on March 7th will be the first test.

Ninh Binh affirms it is still seeking a permanent head coach but does not rule out the possibility of Mr. Thanh continuing until the season's end if results are positive. In an increasingly fierce championship race, every decision at this point will impact the overall picture.

HAGL is now the team most directly affected. HAGL is currently ranked 11th with 14 points, only 4 points above bottom-placed SHB Da Nang and having played one more match.

Coach Quang Trai is very close and has worked alongside Mr. Thanh for many years, with all professional plans receiving consultation from this "mentor".

HAGL will face Cong An TP.HCM in round 15, a challenge that is by no means easy. This could be a major test of Coach Quang Trai's mettle as well as the true strength of the Mountain City team.