Spanish Coach Arrives at the Field to Bid Farewell to Ninh Binh Players

Coach Gerard Albadalejo came back to the Ninh Binh training pitch on March 3rd to bid farewell to his students, closing a heartfelt chapter after a string of disappointing outcomes.

On the afternoon of March 3rd, the training ground of Ninh Binh Football Club was more subdued than usual as Coach Gerard Albadalejo along with his assistant Josep Maria Roma held a meeting to say goodbye to the entire team after officially stepping down from his managerial role. This moment marked the end of the Spanish strategist's eventful half-season journey with the club from the Ancient Capital.

Previously, the board of Ninh Binh FC had announced the departure of Coach Gerard Albadalejo and his staff after round 14 of V.League 2025/26. The decision was made in the context of the team suffering three consecutive defeats since the start of 2026, most recently a loss in the derby against Nam Dinh. This run of poor results saw Ninh Binh fall 7 points behind CAHN in the title race, necessitating a change in the coaching position.

The training session on the afternoon of March 3rd was filled with emotion. Players and coaching staff members gave Coach Gerard Albadalejo and assistant Josep Maria Roma hugs and their best wishes. Despite being together for only half a season, the Spanish tactician received special affection from his pupils. To them, he was not just a tactician who adjusted their style of play, but also a senior figure who consistently inspired and motivated them during every training session and match.

Undeniably, under Coach Gerard Albadalejo, Ninh Binh once crafted an impressive 36-match unbeaten run, solidifying their status as genuine title contenders. However, football is always ruthless, and the high ambitions of a well-resourced club like Ninh Binh do not allow for prolonged setbacks. The change is seen as a necessary step to salvage their objectives for the remainder of the season.

Ninh Binh Football Club has appointed Coach Vu Tien Thanh as the interim head coach on March 3rd itself. Coach Vu Tien Thanh has only four days to prepare before the match against Da Nang at 6:00 PM on March 7th at their home ground. Nevertheless, the image of Coach Gerard Albadalejo appearing at the training ground to personally say goodbye left deep emotions, concluding a brief but memorable chapter in the history of the Ancient Capital's club.