Will Patrik Le Giang be dropped from the Ho Chi Minh City FC squad?

Although goalkeeper Nguyen Manh Cuong has been improving steadily, Ho Chi Minh City FC still cannot forget Patrik Le Giang, especially as the relegation battle becomes increasingly intense.

Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh Cuong temporarily replaces Patrik Le Giang - Photo: TO AN

Ho Chi Minh City FC lost 0-2 to Hai Phong at Thong Nhat Stadium in Round 22 of the V-League 2024-2025 on the evening of May 9th. Notably, the home team lost after many efforts.

Manh Cuong is making progress.

Goalkeeper Nguyen Manh Cuong had a great game. He almost completely frustrated striker Lucao da Silva for most of the match. In particular, Manh Cuong made a crucial goal-line save.

If he manages to secure a draw against Ho Chi Minh City FC, Mạnh Cường will have his third draw, along with one win and one loss since being given the opportunity. The goalkeeper, born in 1997, made his debut on April 13th at Thiên Trường Stadium.

On the day he faced the reigning champions Nam Dinh , Manh Cuong played awkwardly and clearly lacked confidence. But today he has shown significant improvement, although he still made a mistake that led to Lucao missing the penalty.

Hai Phong's coach Chu Dinh Nghiem said: "Manh Cuong played well, he didn't make any mistakes in the two goals conceded. Goalkeepers need to play consistently. He played well, especially in the matches against Nam Dinh and Thanh Hoa ."

Manh Cuong started in goal, but Patrik Le Giang was still seen on the bench. Could it be that the number one position in goal for Ho Chi Minh City FC has changed hands a long time ago?

Patrik Le Giang could return in round 23 against Hanoi - Photo: TO AN

Why is Patrik Le Giang on the bench?

Coach Phùng Thanh Phương expressed concern about not being able to use Patrik Le Giang during the relegation battle. Although goalkeeper Mạnh Cường is playing well, Le Giang has other value.

The Vietnamese-born goalkeeper accounts for half of Ho Chi Minh City FC's strength. It wasn't simply a coincidence that the team spent a significant amount of money this season to secure this valuable signing.

But goalkeepers are human too. Patrik Le Giang suffered a hamstring tear in February. He took advantage of the opportunity to return to Slovakia for treatment and rehabilitation so he could get back to playing.

Patrik Le Giang returned on April 6th in the draw against Song Lam Nghe An. After that, he was absent again due to a recurrence of his thigh injury. Perhaps the team's desperate need for him led to a situation where "haste makes waste."

"Patrik's injury is a major blow to Ho Chi Minh City FC. His absence has significantly impacted the defense," lamented coach Phung Thanh Phuong. Patrik was the leader of the 16.5-meter area.

Patrik Le Giang is highly likely to return to the Ho Chi Minh City FC goal in round 23. He is currently training with doctor Tran Huy Tho. He is being cautious and listening to his body.

As soon as he feels ready, Patrik Le Giang will return to 100% form. This season, he has played in 13 out of 22 matches for Ho Chi Minh City FC.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/patrik-le-giang-bat-khoi-doi-hinh-clb-tp-hcm-20250510131734666.htm