Does HLV Vũ Hồng Việt help Xuân Son 'revive'?

While CLB Thép Xanh Nam Định is in a sharp decline and Nguyễn Xuân Son has "gone silent" for three consecutive matches, the return of coach Vũ Hồng Việt is hoped to be the "antidote." Fans of this team hope his comeback will provide a crucial boost during the decisive phase of the season.

Coach Vũ Hồng Việt is credited with leading the team to concretize the goal of dominating the V-League for two consecutive recent seasons.

At this point, Nam Định needs the former U19 Vietnam coach to restore confidence, reawaken the killer instinct for Xuân Son, and salvage a season that is going off track.

Nam Định has never faced such difficulties since reaching the top. From being V-League champions,the club from Namhas fallen to the bottom of the table. Despite two coaching changes, the team's play still lacks vitality, and the attack is stagnant.

Coach Mauro Jeronimo had to leave after a poor run of results in just over 100 days, ending an unsuccessful experimental period. The leadership decided to place trust back inCoach Vũ Hồng Việtas he understands Nam Định better than anyone.

More importantly, under coach Vũ Hồng Việt, Nguyễn Xuân Son experienced the most prolific season of his career, scoring a record 31 goals. At that time, Xuân Son was a nightmare for every defense, always appearing in the right place in the box and making the most of opportunities.

The tactical system thatCoach Vũ Hồng Việtbuilt revolved around this naturalized striker, from stretching the flanks, organizing high presses, to well-calculated two-man plays.

Xuân Son has gone three consecutive V-League matches without scoring. This number reflects a decline not only in his personal form but also in the collective. When the supply of balls is unstable and the attacking rhythm is disjointed, even the sharpest striker struggles to shine.

Compared to Coach Mauro Jeronimo, who has not proven much in the Vietnamese football environment, Coach Vũ Hồng Việt holds a significant advantage in terms of support within the dressing room. He has had a long association with the club, even when not directly in charge. Understanding the club's culture, player personalities, and the unique pressures at Thiên Trường are things not every foreign coach can grasp.

The match against Ninh Bình in round 14, opening the second leg, will be the first test for "version 2.0." This is not only a derby full of history but also an opportunity for Xuân Son to rediscover his scoring touch. If this striker revives, Nam Định will regain its most important spiritual pillar.

Amid the surrounding crisis, the home advantage and the passionate support of the southern fans could become a powerful "mental doping" for Coach Vũ Hồng Việt and his team. The opponent, Ninh Bình, is not easy but is struggling to find its form after two consecutive recent defeats.

Given their current squad and standing, Ninh Bình will certainly come to Thiên Trường aiming for all 3 points to continue chasing the top spot. But Nam Định, with the return of Coach Vũ Hồng Việt, will not be easy to defeat. A draw against a top-group opponent would both help Nam Định stop the downward spiral and potentially slow Ninh Bình's progress.

When Ninh Bình is forced to push high for a win, spaces will open up behind their defense. If Nam Định organizes sharp counter-attacks and provides sufficient service to Xuân Son, this striker can certainly make the difference.

Of course, no miracle happens overnight. Given what Coach Vũ Hồng Việt has achieved before, the fans of Nam have the right to hope.