Portuguese Coach Honestly Comments on Xuân Son's Performance

Xuân Son still hasn't found the net in the V-League after two games, yet the Nam Định coach stands by him.

Following the 1-1 draw against Hà Tĩnh in the 13th round of the 2025–2026 V-League, the atmosphere at Thiên Trường was heavier than mere disappointment. Nam Định came very close to victory, but conceding a goal at the 90+7 minute mark shattered all their advantages. Instead of pulling ahead, the team had to settle for a draw and remains stuck near the bottom of the standings, a position clearly below expectations.

After the match, coach Mauro Jeronimo did not shy away from acknowledging the significant pressure caused by the current ranking. “I am concerned, but I believe the current position does not truly reflect the team's actual ability. We need to do something to change and improve the situation. Once we secure a win, I am confident everything will be different,” the Portuguese strategist expressed candidly.

One of the most debated topics has been Xuân Son’s performance. The Vietnamese national team striker has yet to score this season in the V-League, naturally making him the focus of much discussion. However, the Nam Định coach urges a fairer perspective rather than focusing solely on statistics.

“We all know that the nature of V-League matches differs from international competitions. Additionally, Xuân Son has spent nearly a year without playing. At this moment, he still needs to gradually improve to regain his best form,” analyzed coach Mauro Jeronimo. He believes the forward requires more time to regain his touch and match rhythm.

Moreover, the Portuguese coach emphasized the physical factor, noting the tight schedule forces players to play continuously. “Just three days ago, the team had to play an additional match. That has significantly impacted Xuân Son’s stamina. If he gets to play regularly every week, I believe his form will improve noticeably,” he added, defending his player amid the pressure.

Looking back at the full 90 minutes, Nam Định actually controlled the game for a long stretch. The home team maintained good possession, created many chances, and made it difficult for the opponent to launch attacks. “Personally, I think the team played well most of the time, controlled the match, and created enough opportunities to secure a comfortable victory. Meanwhile, Hà Tĩnh didn’t generate many dangerous chances,” he affirmed. Yet football is cruel in that a single lapse can change everything, and Nam Định paid a heavy price.