Ho Chi Minh City FC is in danger.

The 0-2 defeat against B.Binh Duong FC at Thong Nhat Stadium on May 23rd allowed the gap between Ho Chi Minh City FC and the two bottom teams in the league table to narrow to just 4 points.

This means that Ho Chi Minh City FC is facing the risk of relegation. Entering the final stages of the season, Ho Chi Minh City FC has been unable to maintain its performance. Coach Phung Thanh Phuong has repeatedly complained about the weak and thin squad, lacking the necessary professional skills to meet the coaching staff's requirements.

This season, Ho Chi Minh City FC has failed to bring in many high-quality players, mainly relying on young talent or veteran players who are past their peak. The club's foreign player acquisition policy has also been illogical, as the players brought in have low professional quality, frequently suffer injuries, and are often sidelined.

That's the reason why Ho Chi Minh City FC suffered their third consecutive defeat during the most "sensitive" period of the season. In fact, the head coach had warned the players about this risk from the beginning of the second half of the season, but non-professional issues are causing the team's morale to plummet.

To secure their survival in the league, Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team needs to win their match against Binh Dinh FC in Round 25. Quy Nhon FC is currently at the bottom of the table, 5 points behind Ho Chi Minh City FC, but still has two games in hand. Therefore, another defeat at home would put Coach Phung Thanh Phuong's team at risk of falling into the bottom two. In the final round, Ho Chi Minh City FC will find it very difficult to get points as they play away against The Cong Viettel FC – a team currently aiming for maximum points to compete for a top 3 finish.

Ho Chi Minh City FC (in dark jerseys) is at risk of relegation if their performance continues to decline. Photo: QUOC AN

With their current makeshift squad, Ho Chi Minh City FC struggles to execute their tactical strategies effectively. Midfielder Endrick's sharp playmaking abilities are gradually diminishing due to the demanding schedule, leading to fatigue. Furthermore, the 30-year-old Brazilian "maestro" lacks compatible partners, making him vulnerable to opponents' tactics and weakening Ho Chi Minh City FC's attacking power.

Winger Bui Ngoc Long has also yet to regain his best form after a period of injury. This season, the midfielder born in 2001 has rarely played the full 90 minutes, scoring only 3 goals in 18 appearances.

Also in round 24, Da Nang FC temporarily escaped the bottom of the table after a 2-2 draw with Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC on May 23rd. However, the team from the Han River remains a leading candidate for relegation at the end of the season, as they are only 1 point ahead of Binh Dinh FC but have played two more matches. Furthermore, the point gap between Da Nang FC and the teams above them could widen if Quang Nam and Song Lam Nghe An avoid defeat in round 24.

This season's V-League only has one relegation spot and one play-off spot to avoid relegation. Ho Chi Minh City FC, Song Lam Nghe An , Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, and Da Nang are at high risk of falling into either of these two spots. The point difference is not large, so a single slip-up in the final rounds could change the standings at the bottom of the table.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/clb-tp-hcm-lam-nguy-196250524214239702.htm