The truth about Cong Phuong's problem with the coach?

(NLDO) - Recently, Vietnamese football has been abuzz with rumors that coach Viet Thang and Cong Phuong have a problem that prevents him from playing in the 2025-2026 First Division.

Ahead of the 2025-2026 First Division season, Cong Phuong was trusted by the leadership to be given the captain's armband, with the task of leading a new generation of teammates including Minh Vuong, Xuan Truong and Van Son, names that were former teammates at HAGL, at the departure ceremony.

However, after 6 rounds, the striker born in 1995 has not played once. In the stands of Thong Nhat Stadium on the evening of November 2, Cong Phuong could only watch his team fall behind 0-2 and then come back to win 4-2 against Thanh Nien TP HCM.

However, coach Viet Thang's team is still creating an unbeaten streak of 6 matches, if counting the win in the opening match of the National Cup, this streak is 7 with 5 wins, 2 draws. This result helps Dong Nai to stay close to the top team Khanh Hoa (15 points) with a gap of only 1 fragile point.

However, on social networks, there is information that coach Viet Thang and Cong Phuong have an unspeakable problem, and an injury has prevented the captain from playing. Specifically, coach Viet Thang wants to build a fast pressing style of play and pass the ball with few touches, but Cong Phuong has a playing style that often involves dribbling in contrast.

Cong Phuong in the stands of Thong Nhat Stadium on the evening of November 2

In fact, at the press conference after the 4-2 comeback win against Thanh Nien TP HCM, coach Viet Thang spoke about Cong Phuong's situation. He seemed quite miserable because of the absence of the team's top scorer last season.

"In the next match, Phuong could not play and did not practice with the team. I regret the absence of Cong Phuong. Since the beginning of the season, preparing for the National Cup, he contributed 4 goals. Without Phuong, I had to move Tu Nhan, who is not a striker, to his preferred left position. Or use Minh Vuong, a central midfielder, when Phuong is absent" - Coach Viet Thang shared in the press conference room after the match on the evening of November 2.

Coach Viet Thang has difficulty finding a solution for the team's striker position when Cong Phuong is absent.

Previously, Cong Phuong injured his anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season training. This injury does not require surgery but requires physical therapy.

The club also confirmed that the striker born in 1995 can practice with the team again. However, coach Viet Thang wants Phuong to be able to achieve a full recovery and the best condition.

At the age of 30, Cong Phuong is still a formidable striker, having ranked second in the top scorers list last season with 7 goals. His long-term absence will certainly cause the Southeast team to lose an important "drill" in Coach Viet Thang's attack.

Coach Viet Thang also shared his goal for the match against Quy Nhon: "Our team has 14 injured players, forcing us to rotate positions. Luckily, the team is eager, listens, and discovers itself. The players are not good at playing but still complete their tasks. Hopefully, the whole team will have a good result when meeting Quy Nhon on November 8."

"After this match, Truong Tuoi Dong Nai Club and the 2025-2026 First Division will be on hiatus until the end of January 2026 (this is when the 33rd SEA Games will take place). Hopefully, by then, Cong Phuong will have fully recovered, to come back stronger with the team" - Coach Viet Thang added.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thuc-hu-chuyen-cong-phuong-vuong-mac-voi-hlv-196251103142213342.htm