Technical Director Vu Tien Thanh once again becomes the focal point in V-League

With HAGL facing the threat of relegation, the comeback of Technical Director Vu Tien Thanh to the coaching staff is considered the last tactical card played by boss Duc.

The match againstHanoi FCon May 31 at Pleiku Stadium is not just a long-standing rivalry showdown but also the toughest test of resilience for his mission to "salvage" the sinking ship.Vu Tien Thanh.

Having earned only 1 point in the last three rounds against comparable opponents, HAGL is trapped in a dangerous relegation spiral. The ill-timed youth strategy has contributed to the struggles ofboss Duc’steam.

Coach Le Quang Trai’s team has only 1 point from the last three rounds and sits just 3 points above the second-bottom spot held by SHB Da Nang. In this "dire strait," boss Duc summoned Vu Tien Thanh back from Ninh Binh.

Thanh remains the Director of HAGL Academy, and was seconded to Ninh Binh due to the close relationship between the two clubs. Since returning to work in Vietnam, the name Vu Tien Thanh has never stopped making headlines. He helped Sai Gon FC finish in the top 3 of V-League 2020 and earned the nickname "relegation survival expert" after successfully saving four teams from relegation in the V-League.

His return brings not only professional value but also a psychological boost for HAGL. Thanh works well withCoach Le Quang Trai, and the duo has collaborated for a long time. What puzzles many people is how Thanh hurriedly shuttles between Ninh Binh and HAGL.

Currently,Ninh Binhis in 4th place and determined to surpass Hanoi FC to reach the medal contention zone. With 45 points and a lighter schedule in the final two rounds compared to Hanoi FC, Ninh Binh can confidently let Thanh return to his familiar role at HAGL.

Ninh Binh currently has coach Bae Ji Won, andCoach Chu Dinh Nghiemhas already started working at Hoang Duc’s club.

Ninh Binh also benefits because Vu Tien Thanh could help them beat Hanoi FC if HAGL blocks coach Harry Kewell’s team at Pleiku on May 31.

That task is extremely difficult, as HAGL faces an impressive Hanoi FC side. Hoang Hen and his teammates have won 6 of their last 7 matches and boast one of the top three attacks in the league. HAGL, meanwhile, heavily relies on Trung Kien in defense.

The upcoming match will test the abilities ofTechnical Director Vu Tien Thanh. If they fail to earn at least one point, HAGL will face the prospect of relegation.