V-League relegation battle: Variables from safe teams

THE HONESTY OF HA TINH CLUB

As the 2024-2025 V-League enters its final stages, the relegation battle will heat up as the number of matches played by teams in the danger zone dwindles. The focus of the V-League at this time is on the race between the bottom 4 teams: Da Nang Club (17 points), Binh Dinh (19 points), SLNA (20 points) and Quang Nam (22 points). In the 23rd round, Ha Tinh Club will attract a lot of attention when hosting SLNA. Ha Tinh Team (35 points) is currently ranked 4th, no longer able to win the championship but is only 1 point behind the 3rd ranked team, The Cong Viettel . It is not surprising that there are rumors that Ha Tinh Team - with many players from Nghe An - will give up points to their neighbor SLNA.

Ha Tinh Club (left) announced that they will play honestly in the "Nghe derby" match with SLNA in round 23 of the V-League.

Photo: Minh Tu

However, Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong affirmed that he will instruct his students to compete honestly and seriously. "My point of view is that no one has the right to tarnish the team's efforts after a long journey of this season. I agree with Coach Phan Nhu Thuat's point of view. We are coaches, we have our own professionalism and professional ethics.

The competition in V-League is very fierce, even in the relegation race or the championship race. If you want to win the championship or stay in the league, the teams must show that they deserve it. Right now, if we have bad thoughts, where will the fairness be with other teams like Binh Dinh, Da Nang , Quang Nam? Therefore, my point of view, as I told the players, is very clear: play these last 4-5 matches with the same spirit, with the determination to achieve the best results," said Mr. Cong.

V-League and the focus of "THE JUDGES"

With only 4 rounds left in the 2024-2025 V-League, the playing attitude of the above teams - no longer motivated to compete for the championship or enough points to stay in the league - will play a very important role. The position of Ha Tinh Club is no different from the "judge" when meeting SLNA, Quang Nam and Da Nang in rounds 23, 24, 25. HAGL will meet Da Nang Club, SLNA and Quang Nam in the last 3 rounds. SLNA will meet Nam Dinh Club in round 24; Binh Dinh Club will meet The Cong Viettel, Thanh Hoa, Cong An Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City Club and Ha Noi Club or Da Nang Club will meet HAGL in round 24. In that situation, the straightforward and decisive statement of coach Nguyen Thanh Cong is very commendable.

Football expert Doan Minh Xuong commented: "The determination of Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong and Ha Tinh Club is commendable and needs to be replicated. For football to develop, all members need to have such a noble sportsmanship spirit. Everyone must be united and honest to develop the image and brand of the club. Hopefully in the final rounds of V-League 2024-2025, the clubs will compete honestly, for themselves and their home fans, as well as to improve the quality of the tournament.

No one has said anything specifically because there is no evidence, but in fact, in recent times, there have been many matches that have been questioned, and teams with a reputation for "clean play" have also had unexpected losses. Therefore, the chairman, the board of directors, the coaching staff, and the players need to demonstrate honesty and fairness to maintain the trust of the audience. Do not turn the final matches of the season into an opportunity to "save money" according to the old mindset. Consider promotion and relegation as normal to escape the vicious cycle that has been going on for so long. Only then will teams and players receive support from fans, helping the V-League become stronger, helping Vietnamese football truly reach higher goals."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-chien-tru-hang-v-league-bien-so-tu-nhung-doi-an-toan-185250514230433496.htm