PVF-CAND has only 18 points after 24 rounds. The V-League 2025-2026 newcomer is currently at the bottom of the table and has the least chance of avoiding relegation. In reality, the way PVF-CAND got promoted to the professional league didn't follow a purely logical order of football. Quang Nam FC withdrew due to a lack of sponsors, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai refused promotion under the supplementary program. And finally, PVF-CAND was persuaded to join the V-League at the last minute.

Without thorough preparation, it's no surprise that the club, based in Hung Yen, suffered a series of defeats against more experienced teams. The management repeatedly changed head coaches in hopes of a change of fortune. After Thach Bao Khanh and Nguyen Thanh Cong, Tran Tien Dai was appointed. This decision sparked much controversy, with most of the criticism revolving around this individual.

Mr. Tran Tien Dai. Photo: laodong.vn

Mr. Dai is often referred to as a "broker," rather than holding more prestigious positions such as coach, CEO, or president. The former Ho Chi Minh City Police player is considered the "king of kings" in the Vietnamese football player agency industry. Dozens, even hundreds, of players from Africa have come to the V-League through his connections. His contemporaries couldn't compete in the domestic market against this "wizard" born in 1966. Even domestic players, including numerous national team members, had to rely on Mr. Dai if they wanted to play in V-League or First Division clubs with high salaries.

Mr. Tran Tien Dai is ambitious. Instead of just being defined as a "super agent," he built a higher status in the football world. His influence has therefore skyrocketed, especially among club owners and team leaders.

Of course, Mr. Dai also possesses strategic talent. Hanoi Police FC's first V-League championship in 2023 was also thanks to his ability to control the locker room and his calculated tactics on the field. Two years after stepping down as head coach, from his position as Technical Director of Phu Tho Club, Mr. Dai decided to lead PVF-CAND during its most difficult period.

If PVF-CAND were to fail in its goal of staying in the V-League, no one would blame him for his late appointment. But conversely, everyone would be amazed by the strategic brilliance of this man, both famous and infamous in Vietnamese football.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/trong-nuoc/cho-ma-thuat-cua-ong-dai-1041878