Spanish coach expresses frustration over the injury of Vietnamese diaspora player Trần Thành Trung

Coach Gerard Albadajejo expressed his displeasure following the 1-1 draw between Ninh Bình and Becamex TPHCM, after midfielder Trần Thành Trung sustained a severe injury in a contentious clash.

The 1-1 draw in the V.League 2025/26 Round 9 match between Ninh Bình FC and Becamex TPHCM not only cost the home team a victory but also raised major concerns as midfielder Trần Thành Trung was seriously injured after a disputed collision in the first half.

From the start, Ninh Bình took control and created several dangerous chances. In the 16th minute, the Hoa Lư capital team was awarded a penalty after Đình Khương fouled Trần Thành Trung inside the box. From the spot, Hoàng Đức scored accurately to make it 1-0. However, before the joy could fully settle, Trần Thành Trung was forced to lie on the ground in pain and could not continue playing.

After the match, Coach Gerard Albadajejo openly criticized the referee’s decision, claiming the challenge by the Becamex TPHCM player was excessively dangerous.

“At the moment, we don’t know the exact extent of Trần Thành Trung’s injury. After the game, the medical team will conduct examinations to determine the situation. From what we observed, the Becamex player made a very strong tackle which caused Trung to injure his lower leg. The referee consulted VAR, but we were very surprised that no red card was issued,” he stated.

The Spanish coach also admitted that Trung’s early exit had a direct impact on Ninh Bình’s style of play.

“Trần Thành Trung is the player who controls the rhythm and balances the midfield. When Trung combines with Hoàng Đức and Đức Chiến, we manage possession and transition very well. His absence caused the team to lose stability, affecting the entire tactical plan,” Coach Albadajejo shared.

In the second half, Ninh Bình couldn’t maintain their earlier momentum, allowing Becamex TPHCM to push forward and equalize through Ugochukwu Oduenyi in the 75th minute. The match ended in a draw, putting Ninh Bình at risk of losing the top spot as they lead CAHN by only one point but have played one more game.

However, what worries Ninh Bình’s coaching staff and fans the most right now is the condition of Trần Thành Trung, a key player in the ball control strategy that Coach Albadajejo is developing.