Song Lam Nghe An is currently experiencing inconsistent form in the V-League 2023, but Mr. Truong Sy Ba believes the entire team will overcome the challenges to demonstrate their steely spirit and achieve more beautiful victories, worthy of their tradition and the trust of their fans. To motivate the team, Mr. Truong Sy Ba decided to change the reward structure. Instead of the fixed reward of 500 million VND for an away win and 400 million VND for a home win, Song Lam Nghe An will receive a reward even for a draw if they show good fighting spirit. Furthermore, the businessman, born in 1967, pledged to continue investing in Song Lam Nghe An's youth football to ensure sustainable development; he hopes the players will uphold the tradition of guiding younger players, passing on their experience in competition, life experiences, and attitudes to help young talents become more confident.

A ball contest between players of the Song Lam Nghe An and Becamex Binh Duong teams. Photo: VNA

It's unclear whether the timely encouragement from Chairman Truong Sy Ba helped the Song Lam Nghe An players regain their spirits to secure a crucial 2-1 victory against Ho Chi Minh City FC in Round 11 of the V-League 2023. However, many believe that this victory doesn't say much, as the team at Thong Nhat Stadium is in a rapid decline. In this win, the impact of new head coach Phan Nhu Thuat is undeniable. Everyone knows that changing the head coach is only a temporary solution and it's very difficult for the Nghe An team to turn things around. But at least, it shows the concern and eagerness of the team's leaders in their efforts to revive Song Lam Nghe An. Looking ahead, Song Lam Nghe An has two extremely important matches against Topenland Binh Dinh (June 25th) and Hanoi FC (July 2nd). The opportunity to finish in the top 8 after the first phase of V-League 2023 is still there, but few dare to believe that Song Lam Nghe An can defeat Topenland Binh Dinh or Hanoi FC.

If faced with a relegation battle, will Song Lam Nghe An be able to retain its key players and sponsors? Coach Truong Sy Ba himself admitted he would facilitate players' departures if they found better clubs. In these difficult economic times, investing in a V-League football team costs tens of billions of dong annually. This doesn't even include the need to recruit expensive players, quality foreign players, and various bonuses if competing for rankings is necessary. Given the difficulties businesses face in recovering production after the Covid-19 pandemic, if Song Lam Nghe An declines, will Coach Truong Sy Ba still be as committed to football as promised? Will player salaries and bonuses be cut? Letting key players leave is also a way for Song Lam Nghe An to reduce costs and start over with young talents. Those who love Song Lam Nghe An are praying for good results in the next two rounds. It's a very difficult situation for the team from Vinh.

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