Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức reveals the current condition of Tiến Linh

The captain of CA TP HCM Club admits that Tiến Linh is facing psychological issues in competition due to excessive scoring pressure.

CA TP HCM Club secured a minimal 1-0 victory over PVF-CAND in the 16th round of V-League, thereby strengthening their fifth-place position on the standings under pressure from chasing teams. Despite creating numerous dangerous opportunities, the team under Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức could only decide the match thanks to Ngô Đăng Khoa's goal in the 76th minute.

In this match, captain Nguyễn Tiến Linh continued to disappoint by missing a series of golden opportunities. In the first half, the 1997-born striker volleyed wide from close range. Early in the second half, he headed a shot that hit the post, before missing a shot in a situation with only an empty goal in front of him at the end of the match.

The decline in scoring form has subjected Tiến Linh to considerable pressure. Although frequently starting, the 29-year-old striker has only scored 3 goals in 16 V-League matches this season. Notably, he has endured nearly 6 months with a streak of 11 consecutive matches without scoring for CA TP HCM Club.

Sharing after the match, Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức acknowledged that his player is experiencing psychological problems. He said: "Tiến Linh is under pressure. When there are no goals, players easily become pressured and impatient. During my playing days, I also experienced this. Once the feeling and confidence are lost, it is very difficult to regain them. I need to encourage him and provide lighter training exercises so Tiến Linh can regain his sensation and excitement. Regarding his playing style, Tiến Linh has no issues. The only hitch is that the finishing phase is not yet stable."

When asked about the possibility of benching Tiến Linh, Coach Lê Huỳnh Đức stated that he had considered this option, but CA TP HCM Club currently lacks many choices in the striker position.

"At this time, Đinh Thanh Bình has also just returned, so he gets to play. The young forwards are not strong enough; sometimes they start for half a match and then... ask to be substituted. I want to find ways for my student to gradually improve," this coach emphasized, also noting that the team needs to utilize opportunities better, as in the last 4 matches they have scored only 3 goals.

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