Football

HÀ NỘI — Among the new coaches in V.League 1 for the upcoming football season, Hoàng Anh Tuấn of Bình Dương stands out as a figure of particular interest, expected to help the club shine.

In recent years, Bình Dương have struggled to maintain their position in the league, while Tuấn has primarily coached youth teams. He returns to the national premier league after a decade.

The last time he managed a V.League 1 team was in 2014 with Hải Phòng. Unlike his previous tenure, during which he transformed Khánh Hòa into a 'dark horse' winner, Tuấn left Hải Phòng early and shifted his focus to youth football.

Over the past ten years, Tuấn led U20 Việt Nam to the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2017 and secured the U23 Southeast Asian Championship for the young team. His success in youth tournaments has been recognised, yet V.League 1 remains an unfinished chapter for him.

The top level of Vietnamese football has evolved significantly since Tuấn's last stint.

Bình Dương exemplifies this change. A decade ago, the club was a galaxy of talent, featuring players like Anh Đức, Công Vinh, Trọng Hoàng, Đình Luật and Tấn Tài, alongside renowned coaches such as the late Lê Thụy Hải and Mai Đức Chung.

However, over the past five years, Bình Dương have lost their status as a star-studded team. During the 2023 season, they fought to avoid relegation until the final day. Under coach Lê Huỳnh Đức in the 2023-24 season, they performed well initially but fell to near the bottom of the table.

Bình Dương’s challenging situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Tuấn. His experience with youth teams has prepared him for managing limited resources. His philosophy emphasises discipline, defensive focus and collective strength, which could be beneficial for Bình Dương.

In theory, this approach aligns well with the club’s needs. Last season, a strong-willed coach like Đức, who also prioritised discipline, helped transform Bình Dương. If Tuấn can foster a cohesive and tight playing style, the team are expected to perform well.

Currently, Bình Dương possess notable talent, including striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh and center-back Quế Ngọc Hải, along with promising young players like Vĩ Hào and Minh Khoa, as well as recent recruits Tấn Tài, Tùng Quốc and Đức Chinh. They have also appointed Jurgen Gede as technical director, who collaborated effectively with Tuấn during their time with U19 Việt Nam. With thorough preparation, Bình Dương are gearing up for the national top-flight league.

However, succeeding in V.League 1 is no easy task. While Tuấn is skilled and has a modern coaching mindset, managing a senior club differs significantly from overseeing a youth team. With young players, he can enforce discipline more easily, but in a club environment with diverse personalities, flexibility will be essential.

Regardless, Tuấn is poised to bring something new to V.League 1. A determined coach with a clear tactical vision, he has the potential to make Bình Dương a team worth watching. — VNS