Losing heavily in the opening match of V-League, HAGL coach 'I'm not worried about relegation': Coach Anh Duc 'I'm very happy'

The head coaches of HAGL and Becamex TP.HCM Club shared after the two teams met in round 1 of V-League 2025 - 2026.

"HAGL needs more time to improve"

In the opening match of the V-League 2025 - 2026 on the afternoon of August 17, HAGL lost 0-3 to Becamex TP.HCM Club right at Pleiku Stadium. After the match, Coach Le Quang Trai shared: "First of all, I would like to congratulate Becamex TP.HCM for winning. They took advantage of the opportunities created very well. Although HAGL lost, they showed some positive points. We created some opportunities. However, luck did not come and the players could not convert the opportunities into goals. That is also an issue that we need to improve in the coming time".

Analyzing more closely the reasons for the loss, Mr. Trai commented: "HAGL lost first so they had to push up to find a goal. But today, the field is new, it's raining and stagnant so it's difficult for us to implement our playing style. This is the first match and the team also has many young players. The players need more time to improve to be better."

In addition, coach Le Quang Trai affirmed that he is not worried about HAGL being relegated. Accordingly, Mr. Trai believes that the mountain town team will play better in the coming time. "I am not worried about the team being relegated, if we do well in the upcoming matches. Why am I not worried? Because Becamex TP.HCM is not a weak team. Although many players have left, the quality of the squad and their fighting spirit have not decreased at all," Mr. Trai emphasized.

HAGL (right) suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day of the new V-League season.

PHOTO: HAGL Club

Becamex TP.HCM Club players were overwhelmed in the first half because...

On the other hand, Coach Nguyen Anh Duc expressed his joy and satisfaction when the players of Becamex Ho Chi Minh City Club always showed determination and high fighting spirit.

Regarding being pressured by HAGL in the early stages, coach Anh Duc explained: "Playing in the rain, we could not develop our playing style. Besides, playing in Gia Lai always makes the players feel overwhelmed. When playing against HAGL, especially in the first half, we encountered difficulties. But no matter the situation, we were well prepared and played our best."

Coach Anh Duc also shared that he was not surprised when Becamex TP.HCM defeated HAGL 3-0 right on Pleiku field. "I just feel happy. In football, we can win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0. The closer to the end, the more pressure the opponent puts on our goal. If we defend firmly and create opportunities, we will score more goals. On the contrary, if we are not focused, the opponent will get back," said the former striker of the Vietnam national team.

In the second round of V-League, Becamex TP.HCM Club will meet Hanoi Police Club at 6:00 p.m., while HAGL will face Hanoi Club at 7:15 p.m. on the same day, August 24.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thua-dam-tran-ra-quan-v-league-hlv-hagl-toi-khong-lo-rot-hang-hlv-anh-duc-toi-rat-vui-185250817202629954.htm