V-League 2023/2024 will return to the round-robin format with 26 rounds. No team is considered to be as strong as the 2018 version of Hanoi FC. Therefore, the championship race this season will be very unpredictable with the participation of strong clubs and some other teams capable of "getting in the way".
Hanoi FC, Viettel threaten the throne of Hanoi Police Club
V-League always has teams that are considered traditional candidates for the V-League championship. Hanoi FC and Viettel FC deserve this title. These are clubs with a stable financial foundation, a stable force with many high-quality players and have always been in the leading group in previous seasons. Hanoi FC and Viettel will join the reigning champion - Hanoi Police Club to form the leading group of candidates for the throne.
Viettel Club and Hanoi FC are the two teams with the strongest potential in V-League. (Photo: VPF)
Viettel is highly regarded for its abundant source of self-trained players. The team that won the 2020 V-League introduced many new names such as Khuat Van Khang, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Nguyen Tuan Phong alongside key players such as Nguyen Duc Chien, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Bui Tien Dung who are still at their peak. Nham Manh Dung, Phan Tuan Tai, Nguyen Thanh Binh also matured quickly.
Meanwhile, Hanoi FC surprised the public when they bought a series of quality foreign players to prepare for the AFC Champions League. Demien Le Tallec is the most notable name as he used to play for Borussia Dortmund. Joel Tagueu, Marcao or Milan Jevtovic have more or less proven their abilities and are all among the top foreign players of the tournament.
Hanoi FC still maintains its domestic squad with many stars such as Nguyen Thanh Chung, Do Duy Manh, Bui Tan Truong, Do Hung Dung and especially Nguyen Van Quyet. However, the issue that worries the capital team's fans is the change of coach right before the season starts.
For the Hanoi Police Club, the 2023 V-League championship shows that this team is on the right track. Geovane Magno, Ho Van Cuong, and Bui Hoang Viet Anh are notable new recruits of the Police team. They have enough high-quality forces.
The biggest problem with the Hanoi Police Club is that their playing style is not outstanding. They still rely on stars and foreign players. Entering the 2023/2024 season, the reigning V-League champion still registered head coach Tran Tien Dai. Rumors that this team recruited coach Alexandre Polking are still mentioned regularly, but up to now, the position of "captain" of the Hanoi Police Club is still not a name that brings peace of mind. The defeat in the National Super Cup match is a warning for the 2023 V-League champion.
Hanoi Police Club just lost in the National Super Cup match. (Photo: VPF)
Binh Duong and Nam Dinh clubs show ambition
Two teams showing special ambition to return to the championship race are Nam Dinh Club and Binh Duong Club. The appearance of coach Le Huynh Duc added more hope and the team from Thu Dau Mot soon completed contracts such as Nguyen Hai Huy, Que Ngoc Hai, Vo Minh Trong, Janclesio.
Binh Duong FC is willing to pay very high fees, far exceeding the valuation of competitors in the transfer market. This is the easiest way for Binh Duong FC to strengthen its force to upgrade the squad, aiming to compete for the championship after a season of near relegation. Obviously, the team of Thu Dau Mot is very eager to regain the glory of many years ago.
Nam Dinh Club buys many stars.
Nam Dinh Club shows its ambition to compete for the championship from the 2023 season. However, this team's heavy investment in recruiting massive forces has not been accompanied by efficiency.
Entering the new season, the team from Thanh Nam continues to renew the squad, adding quality players. Nam Dinh Club changed its squad once again when a series of local players such as Viet Tu, Dinh Manh, Van Truong, Ha Long,,,, all said goodbye.
Next, they spent heavily on Nguyen Van Toan, Tran Van Cong, Ly Cong Hoang Anh and Rafaelson. With a strong squad, Nam Dinh Club is capable of making things difficult for the championship candidates, and they even have a chance to compete for medals if coach Vu Hong Viet improves his playing style compared to last season.
Thanh Hoa and Hai Phong clubs "block the way"
Thanh Hoa and Hai Phong clubs do not aim to win the V-League championship and it is very difficult for them to do so when there are many teams with stronger potential. However, the ability of these two teams to "block the way" of strong opponents can significantly affect the race to the throne.
Thanh Hoa and Hai Phong clubs have some things in common. Their strength is quite good, their finances are not strong but they own the top coaches in V-League. Hai Phong club still shows beautiful and attractive playing style when led by coach Chu Dinh Nghiem. Thanh Hoa club plays with fire and energy with the appearance of Mr. Velizar Popov.
Thanh Hoa Club is the obstacle in the championship race.
The Thanh Hoa team is certainly the name that left the most impression in V-League 2023. The impressive victory over Hanoi Police Club in the Super Cup match is the clearest example of Thanh Hoa Club's ability to make it difficult for big teams.
Meanwhile, Hai Phong FC is facing a difficult season. With a weak squad, the port city team also has to compete in the AFC Cup. Therefore, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem and his team will likely only play a role in making the championship race more interesting.
Mai Phuong
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