After a dramatic 4-2 victory over Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City in round 6 of the 2025-2026 National First Division, coach Viet Thang of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai shared remarkable information about the injury situation of striker Nguyen Cong Phuong.
Coach Viet Thang admitted that the absence of Cong Phuong caused the team to face many difficulties in attack and personnel arrangement.
He said: "In the next match, Phuong has not been able to play or practice with the team. I really regret Cong Phuong. Since the beginning of the season, when preparing for the National Cup, Phuong contributed 4 goals.
Without Phuong, I have to rotate personnel, Minh Vuong is not a striker but I have to push him up. I used a central midfielder when I was without Phuong.
We injured 14 people and had to rotate all positions. Fortunately, the group is eager to listen, listen, and discover themselves. They play in an unsuccessful position but still do well."
Under coach Viet Thang, Cong Phuong is considered the main factor in the attack of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai. His long-term injury forced the team to adjust the tactical system, while taking advantage of the brilliance of names like Ho Thanh Minh or Alex Sandro.
However, coach Viet Thang still expressed optimism when talking about the journey ahead: "Hopefully, doing well in the match against Quy Nhon with a 3-month break will be stable, the team is worth watching".
The victory over Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City helped Truong Tuoi Dong Nai extend their unbeaten streak since the beginning of the season, rising to 2nd place on the rankings with 14 points.
However, for Mr. Viet Thang, the more important thing is the fighting spirit of the whole team during the difficult period when many key players are missing, especially Cong Phuong.
