Kiatisuk hasn't thought about competing for the V League title yet
On the evening of July 16th, Shanhe Street team hosted Ho Chi Minh City 2-0. In the last round, HAGL also defeated Da Nang. At present, HAGL has accumulated 10 points, ranking sixth, only 3 points behind SLNA, but played more than one game.
"It's seven rounds into the new season, so we're not thinking too far," coach Kiatisuk said after the game at Thong Nhat Stadium. "To say that HAGL is now ready to go into the title race will put pressure on the players."
The Thai military leader also affirmed that HAGL's goal is only to play well at home and away.
HAGL is expected to face many difficulties when they visit Ho Chi Minh City due to an injury to main striker Cong Phuong, while another attacking star, Nguyen Van Toan, remains nothing in the first six games of the season. But Mountain City were surprised when they controlled the game and created many chances. Brandao headed the ball in the 28th minute and Wu Wencheng succeeded in penalty kick in the 39th minute.
Given that Ho Chi Minh City is a formidable opponent, Kiatisuk was pleased with the good way HAGL went into the game, playing safely and scoring two goals. Kiatisuk added: "I am also delighted to see the team providing spectators with many wonderful and beautiful stages of football."
He also revealed that Cong Phuong may need to rest for a few weeks due to injury, but he is not worried because there are also excellent players like Van Toan, Tuan Anh, Xuan Truong, Minh Vuong, Bao Toan and other young talents. "Maybe Cong Phuong's reluctant rest was an opportunity for young players. This game, I used a lot of young people to improve their expertise and build experience," he said.
According to Thai military leaders, HAGL are not putting pressure on Van Toan-who is yet to score in the V-League in 2022. "The important thing is that he still makes a positive contribution to the overall play of the team," he said. Kiatisuk further explained that Van Thanh's penalty, not Van Toan's, was based on pre-allocation.
Meanwhile, head coach Chen Mingjian admitted that Ho Chi Minh City did not perform well in the game, so it was overwhelmed by its opponents and conceded two goals. "The players tried to correct the mistakes after the goal, but it was too late," he said.
