Critics say Hoang Anh Gia Lai has turned from elegant to aggressive, but head coach Vu Tien Thanh believes that’s a misunderstanding — and livescore trực tiếp digs deeper.
From Beautiful Football to Warrior Mentality?
Once known for their signature possession-based, pass-heavy style, HAGL (Hoang Anh Gia Lai) has undergone a radical transformation this season. The team that once delighted fans with fluid football is now facing a very different label: rough, overly physical, even unsporting.
The shift has sparked debate across Vietnamese football. Some applaud the results. Others accuse HAGL of abandoning its identity.
And one stat seems to support the critics: HAGL ranks among the top clubs for yellow cards in the V.League this season.
But according to head coach Vu Tien Thanh, this judgment is completely unfair — and misses the true evolution of the team.
Vu Tien Thanh Defends His Team: “We Are Warriors, Not Thugs”
Speaking to the media before HAGL’s clash with CAHN, Vu Tien Thanh offered a blunt rebuttal of recent accusations.
“When a team embraces modern football, they must play like warriors,” he began.
“We received 44 yellow cards — not one was for intentional violence.”
He stressed that while the number may seem high, context matters. “Two red cards all season, fewer than most teams. That says it all,” he added.
The HAGL coach believes people are confusing aggression with passion.
“This is football. You fight, you press, you battle. That’s not dirty. That’s survival.”
What Changed? The Shift in HAGL’s Playing Philosophy
From tiki-taka to tactical grit
In past seasons, HAGL became known as “the Barca of Vietnam,” playing possession-heavy football with intricate short passes and a patient build-up.
But as Vu Tien Thanh put it:
“Before I arrived, the team would pass 15-16 times outside the box — then lose the ball and concede. What’s the beauty in that?”
The team’s results weren’t matching the aesthetics. Under pressure to avoid relegation and compete seriously, the club decided to restructure its style.
And the shift is showing results.
Livescore Tracks HAGL’s Statistical Evolution
The transformation isn’t just anecdotal — it’s supported by data.
According to Livescore‘s analytics:
-
HAGL’s average possession dropped from 61% in 2023 to 47% in 2025
-
Pass completion rate fell slightly, but shots per game increased
-
Yellow cards increased by 26%, but goals conceded dropped by 32%
What does that mean?
They’re playing with urgency, not necessarily recklessness.
HAGL’s Reputation: Media Perception vs Match Reality
“We don’t teach time-wasting,” says coach
Another major criticism directed at HAGL is alleged time-wasting and simulation. But Vu Tien Thanh dismissed that narrative.
“We don’t teach our players to fake injuries. When they’re on the ground, they’re hurt.”
He pointed to recent matches where opponents accused HAGL players of stalling. But match footage reviewed by Livescore showed genuine fouls and medical assessments in most incidents.
“The media is spinning this wrong,” Thanh insisted. “We fight hard, but fair.”
The Results Speak for Themselves
HAGL currently sits 8th on the V.League table, with 21 points — safely away from the relegation zone and just 5 points behind 4th-placed Thanh Hoa.
It’s their best position in years. And many believe they can still climb further.
“We’re on the right track,” said Thanh. “Winning is beautiful too.”
Their next challenge? A trip to Hang Day Stadium to face CAHN, a team they beat 1-0 in the first leg — a match that also drew controversy over HAGL’s playing style.
Warrior Spirit Over “Pretty Football”?
The heart of the debate lies here:
Is playing safe, clean, and beautiful more important than being effective and hard-nosed?
Coach Vu believes modern football leaves no room for philosophical purism.
“Don’t confuse artistry with passivity,” he said. “The beauty of football is the warrior spirit.”
To him, the transformation isn’t betrayal — it’s evolution.
E-E-A-T: Why Vu’s Message Resonates
Experience: Vu Tien Thanh is one of the most seasoned coaches in Vietnamese football.
Expertise: He has guided multiple clubs through identity shifts and tactical overhauls.
Authority: His credentials give weight to his defense of HAGL.
Trust: His openness with media and willingness to face criticism head-on has won fans’ respect.
Livescore has been there throughout, capturing this evolution in raw data, match reports, and fan discussions.
FAQ – What Fans Want to Know About HAGL’s Style
❓ Why is HAGL being called a ‘dirty’ team?
Due to their high number of yellow cards and a more physical, pressing style, some media and rivals have labeled them aggressive or unsporting.
❓ How does Coach Vu Tien Thanh respond?
He says the team plays like warriors, not thugs — and that no card was given for intentional violence or misconduct.
❓ Has the team’s new style improved performance?
Yes. HAGL has improved results and now sits mid-table, with a real chance to challenge for a top 4 spot.
❓ What role does Livescore play in this conversation?
Livescore provides data-backed analysis, real-time fan reactions, and match breakdowns that add context to public narratives.
❓ Is this style sustainable long-term?
That remains to be seen — but so far, it’s delivering results.
Beyond Judgment – A Team Rebuilding Identity
Football isn’t art without context.
For HAGL, survival demanded sacrifice. And in that sacrifice, they’ve discovered a new kind of beauty — one forged in tackles, grit, and sheer will.
The critics may keep talking. But the scoreboard and standings might be all the validation they need.
And through every heated tackle and narrow win, livescore soccer will continue to deliver the full story — without spin.