In history, Hoang Anh Gia Lai (2003) and Hanoi Police (2023) are two clubs that won the V.League right after being promoted. The team from the Mountain City even won the cup for 2 consecutive years (2003, 2004) with the appearance of legend Kiatisak Senamuang.
This year, V.League witnessed another rookie team that was both strong in personnel and stable in finances, which was Ninh Binh club.
As soon as they were promoted to V.League, Ninh Binh FC soon parted ways with head coach Nguyen Viet Thang and invited Mr. Gerard Albadalejo - a Spanish strategist to hold the captaincy position. The ancient capital team hopes to build a playing style rich in identity, beauty and following the model of Barcelona.
Foreign players such as Gustavo Henrique - a former player of the Hanoi Police Club - scored 18 goals in the Iraq National Championship; Pedraza Arias - a grown-up from Atletico Madrid youth training center or Morales Alonso all have extensive experience. This group of Western players will make up for some of Ninh Binh's weaknesses at the present time.
More importantly, the reigning National First Division champion has promptly added a series of stars such as Nguyen Duc Chien (moved from The Cong Viettel), Tran Bao Toan, Chau Ngoc Quang, Dung Quang Nho (moved from Hoang Anh Gia Lai).
Some other quality players are still committed to their future such as midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc, goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, central defender Nguyen Huu Tuan or defender Do Thanh Thinh, striker Dinh Thanh Binh...
Ninh Binh's championship race journey will be much harsher than Hoang Anh Gia Lai's story 20 years ago. At that time, the team from the Mountain City had few competitors, easily making a difference from the stars.
Now, Ninh Binh has at least 4 opponents ahead named Hanoi FC, The Cong Viettel, Hanoi Police and Nam Dinh. Somewhere, "opposite" teams like Dong Thanh Hoa and Hai Phong still appear and can make it difficult for any opponent.
However, the key for Ninh Binh is the head coach position. If Mr. Gerard and Albadalejo know how to create good enough sticking stock for a team of many stars and the ability to rotate on the sidelines, Ninh Binh can still win the V.League even though it is very difficult.
