Hoang Anh Gia Lai is currently ranked 8th on the V.League 2024-2025 rankings after 12 rounds. Notably, they are leading in the number of yellow cards with 37 cards, an average of 3 cards/match.
In just the 2 matches in round 4 with Da Nang and round 10 with Ho Chi Minh City, Hoang Anh Gia Lai received 12 yellow cards (5 yellow cards with Da Nang and 7 yellow cards with Ho Chi Minh City), and received disciplinary action from the VFF Disciplinary Board.
Hoang Anh Gia Lai is showing that they are no longer a beautiful football team, playing with dedication, but instead playing a pragmatic style. But this is reflecting the reality with the philosophy of football for achievement.
Many coaches were surprised by this style of play of the mountain town team. There were even some dissatisfaction and frank criticisms. Typically, coach Polking expressed disappointment with Hoang Anh Gia Lai's victory due to the time-wasting style of play in the 1-0 win over Cong An Ha Noi in round 7 of V.League 2024-2025.
This change of the mountain town football team also created conflicting opinions about the identity story. One side loves beautiful football, attacking football, dedication without caring about the result. And the other side leans towards pragmatism to bring results.
Looking at Hoang Anh Gia Lai at the present time, Mr. Duc seems to no longer interfere too much in the team's professional matters. This boss no longer appears at Hoang Anh Gia Lai's matches and is said to be focusing on business.
Perhaps, this is also one of the few reasons why Hoang Anh Gia Lai is gradually changing.
