Expert Doan Minh Xuong: 'Waiting for V-League to improve further'

22/10/2025 19:53:00 pandatv

There are high hopes that the upcoming journey of the LPBank V-League 2025/26 will be elevated following the inspiration it has just generated.

Expert Doan Minh Xuong notes that as of now, it is possible to get a sense of the league’s race: "The first seven rounds have helped us somewhat identify the character of each team. The fact that both the defending champion Nam Dinh and former champion Hanoi FC have slipped behind is a major shock, leaving fans and professionals quite puzzled.

Hanoi FC currently ranks only 7th and Nam Dinh 10th, which not only disappoints their supporters but also confuses experts’ forecasts. Despite signing high-profile players, the teams have not become stronger; instead, it seems both clubs are experiencing some invisible inertia holding them back.

It appears that Nam Dinh’s struggle to compete on multiple fronts has worn them out, even though they fielded up to 10 foreign players in continental competitions. Constantly changing lineups each match have prevented Nam Dinh from maintaining balance, stability, and strong cohesion in their playing style.

Nam Dinh leads in transfer value in the V-League but currently holds a position that doesn't reflect that investment. This suggests Nam Dinh might be like a body overfed. Possibly, the team may choose to "let go" of the V-League to fully focus on continental and regional tournaments, given their large number of foreign players.

Meanwhile, Hanoi FC’s decline is worrying and raises many questions. The concern lies in the fact that a club renowned for youth development, producing many national players at both youth and senior levels, now lacks quality rising stars. Moreover, despite being the most professional model among domestic clubs, they have encountered difficulties.

Expert Doan Minh Xuong believes the decline of traditional powerhouses like Hanoi FC (in white) has opened the door for Ninh Binh (in dark kits) to rise. Photo: Hoang Linh

From this, Hanoi FC’s multiple issues become clear. Their problems are not just current but systemic from the start of the season, as they have been overtaken by The Cong Viettel, CAHN, and Ninh Binh FC. It seems Hanoi FC has grown old and sluggish, having had 12 head coaches come and go in nearly 10 years. Perhaps it is time for Hanoi FC to restructure beyond just the head coach position.

Two teams, two paths, but the same disappointing outcome. At least now, Hanoi FC and Nam Dinh must realize something is amiss between their investments and results. No one, even in thought, imagined Hanoi FC and Nam Dinh would falter so quickly this season.

Expert Doan Minh Xuong also cites this as one reason Ninh Binh has risen to the top: "Certainly, seven unbeaten matches is an impressive achievement for Ninh Binh, reflecting their own strength. However, after seven rounds, a newcomer like Ninh Binh FC holding the top spot for long has its reasons. Partly, the Hoa Lu team prepared thoroughly in personnel, but also because giants like Hanoi FC and Nam Dinh have declined recently.

The latest round exemplifies this: while Ninh Binh defeated title contender Hanoi FC in a crucial six-point match, Nam Dinh suffered a loss as Becamex TP.HCM and CAHN were held to draws at SLNA. Conversely, difficulties are also increasingly apparent for HAGL, Thanh Hoa, SHB Da Nang, SLNA, and PVF-CAND."

Expert Doan Minh Xuong emphasizes that the greatest wish remains for the V-League to continue advancing: "There is no alternative but for those involved in professional football to demonstrate to the audience a spirit of overcoming adversity, professional attitude, dedication, and honesty. Only then will fans empathize, understand, and come to support the matches. Naturally, sponsors will also trust and accompany the league."

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