Dong A Thanh Hoa Club continues to show strong spirit, not giving up when drawing with Hai Phong FC with a score of 3-3 in round 14 of V.League 2025-2026.
Coach Mai Xuan Hop's team was led by the opponent by 2 goals but played resiliently to bring 1 point before leaving Lach Tray.
In the context of the team experiencing many fluctuations in force and pressure outside the pitch, the coach born in 1986 emphasized the spirit factor and backstage companionship.
Thank you to the fans who have always followed the team closely. I am very happy, the winning spirit of the players is never shaken even when they are behind. Thank you to the whole team for fighting for the colors of Dong A Thanh Hoa.
In the past period, the team has gone through many difficulties, but I want to thank Bau Doan's family for always striving for the team, worrying about the team. I hope that the FIFA penalty will be lifted early next week so that the team has more personnel choices in the key period. In addition, the return of Rimario also helps me have more options in attack," coach Mai Xuan Hop said.
Mr. Hop added: "For Thanh Hoa, fighting spirit is very important, but saying that there is no tactics is not right. With 15-16 players, we are forced to build a team that plays smoothly, with reasonable tactics to turn the situation around.
That is the harmony between tactics and spirit. In the future, we will have more choices, more tactical solutions for the upcoming matches".
In the recent match, striker Van Tung shone with a beautiful double goal. Assessing his student's performance, Mr. Hop said: "Before going to Hai Phong, I and the coaching staff encouraged Van Tung, Damoth or Ngoc My to go on the field to fight their best, to do something for themselves. I am very happy when Van Tung scored. That is a great effort and a worthy achievement has come to him".
Notably, at the press conference, a reporter asked a special question to coach Mai Xuan Hop: "You always talk about encouraging players to overcome difficult times, so who has encouraged you in the past time?
Before this question, the 40-year-old coach expressed: "Actually, many people have encouraged me, from club leaders, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and provincial leaders have encouraged me. In particular, there is a younger brother who was by my side when I was in difficulty, so that I have the motivation to fight with the team.
