Revealing the reason behind Coach Vũ Hồng Việt's resignation

After a run of declining form and poor results early in the 2025/26 season, Coach Vũ Hồng Việt moved to another position following numerous losses that led the team to forfeit its title as the current V.League champion.

Before the final match against Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League, Coach Vũ Hồng Việt appeared at the press conference with an unusually serious demeanor, lacking his usual smile. Nam Định Club’s 2025/26 season began with challenges as they lost 2-3 to their rival CAHN in the National Super Cup, despite striker Kyle Hudlin’s outstanding performance. This defeat immediately raised doubts about the team's ability to defend their title.

In the second round of the V.League, Nam Định suffered a comeback loss to SLNA away, despite taking an early lead. The 0-0 draw against CA TP HCM in round 3 further increased fans' concerns. Things worsened when Nam Định was comprehensively defeated 0-2 by newcomers Ninh Bình in round 4. This match exposed tactical and squad weaknesses, as Ninh Bình’s coach Gerard Albadalejo completely dominated the champions with full-pitch pressing and sharp counterattacks.

Subsequently, Nam Định lost again to CAHN at home under heavy rain, repeating the scenario from round 1. After 7 rounds, the team had only 2 wins and 4 losses, with a goal difference reflecting decline: scoring just 6 goals, conceding an average of 1.43 per game, and earning 1 point per match, far worse than the previous season. These factors pushed fans’ confidence to the limit and reduced their chances of competing for the championship.

A series of injuries, especially the absence of Xuân Son, forced Coach Vũ Hồng Việt to rely heavily on foreign forwards, weakening the midfield and defense. This imbalance led to consecutive losses and declining form, a stark contrast to Nam Định’s image in the 2024/25 season. The lack of quality domestic key players also made it difficult for the club to compete with strong rivals like Ninh Bình, CAHN, and CA TP HCM.

After a home defeat to Becamex TP HCM, combined with a poor run at the start of the season, Coach Vũ Hồng Việt decided to resign as head coach and took on the role of Technical Director. Mr. Nguyễn Trung Kiên temporarily took over the coaching duties while the club urgently searched for a replacement.

Nam Định Club still aims to advance far in the V.League, National Cup, AFC Champions League Two, and the 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship. However, to salvage the season, the team needs to strengthen its domestic players, await Xuân Son’s return, and find a new coach capable of leading the club back into the championship race.