Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) faced a significant setback in their quest for survival in the V.League 1 – 2023/2024, suffering a heavy 1-4 defeat against Ho Chi Minh FC at Thong Nhat Stadium in Round 21. The loss has further complicated their battle against relegation.
Speaking to the media during the post-match press conference, HAGL head coach Vu Tien Thanh expressed his thoughts: “Before the match, I knew this would be tough, and we aimed to earn some points. However, Ho Chi Minh FC played exceptionally well. They defended tightly and executed their counter-attacks perfectly, deserving their victory.”
When questioned about the refereeing, Coach Vu Tien Thanh voiced his frustration: “The refereeing was exasperating. There was a situation where a player not involved in play was flagged offside. No one with proper expertise would make such a call. If we had scored to make it 2-2, the game could have turned out differently. I believe Hanoi Police FC’s complaint about the refereeing is justified.”
In addition to his grievances about the refereeing, Coach Vu Tien Thanh also criticized the Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) organization. He stated: “Playing a game every four days, the organization of referees is full of issues. I’ve spoken with Mr Duc (chairman of Hoang Anh Gia Lai), and he says we are so passionate about football that we must play, but it feels like living with a flood. It’s exhausting.”
“I work in this field, and I must carefully plan for each player. The organization is poor, lacking professionalism. Scheduling games so frequently, midweek matches, who will come to watch? If the national team loses upcoming matches, what do we gain? VPF organizes it just for the sake of it. I reiterate, we play because we love football.”
Coach Vu Tien Thanh acknowledged that he expects to be fined for his comments but felt compelled to speak out. He emphasized that without changes, Vietnamese football cannot develop in the future.
The heavy defeat leaves HAGL in a precarious position, needing to improve their performance in the remaining matches to avoid relegation. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh FC’s victory boosts their standing in the league as they aim for a strong finish to the season. The concerns raised by Coach Vu Tien Thanh about refereeing and match scheduling add to the ongoing debates about the management and future of Vietnamese football.
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