Coach Vu Tien Thanh 'diagnoses' Ninh Binh Club

Acting coach Vu Tien Thanh asserts that the previous coaching staff's decision to give players a 5-week break during SEA Games 33 and the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers caused Ninh Binh Club to lose momentum and compromised player fitness.

In the 16th round of LPBank V-League 2025/26 on March 14 afternoon, at home, Ninh Binh Club lost 1-2 to CAHN, extending their unbeaten streak to 5 matches.

At the post-match press conference, Coach Vu Tien Thanh, who took over at the ancient capital's club less than two weeks ago, candidly admitted: "When the V-League paused for the AFC U23 Asian Cup, the previous coaching staff of Ninh Binh Club gave the players a break of up to 5 weeks. They only resumed training a few days before Tet.

That caused the players to lose momentum. The extended break significantly impacted their fitness and performance. I believe this was inappropriate. Hoang Anh Gia Lai only took a 2-week break.

The V-League remains a physically demanding and very competitive league. For a team that was unbeaten in 11 matches, losing just one game greatly affects the players' mentality and confidence.

I am also just a replacement, and I will try to use my experience to help Ninh Binh regain their form.

Ninh Binh's goal is not to give up in the race for Asian Cup and Southeast Asian Cup qualification next season if they reach the National Cup final. There are 10 rounds left in the V-League, anything can happen. This is not an unrealistic hope.

We knew this was a very difficult match because CAHN Club is performing well. However, today's match presented too many risks for Ninh Binh Club. We only have 3 foreign players, and Geovane was suspended, so we almost had no substitution options.

In matches against SHB Da Nang or this one against CAHN Club, it's clear that in terms of physical foundation, Ninh Binh Club couldn't keep up. In the second conceded goal, when we attacked and they switched tactics, no one managed to retreat quickly.

I sensed from the very first training session that the players' mentality was not good. After the long break of about 5 weeks due to the AFC U23 Asian Cup, the team lost their competitive rhythm, and that greatly affected their performance.

The bright spot today was the young players. When they entered the field, the team played more explosively. In football, if foreign players or star players don't perform well, you must accept their replacement.