Coach Hai Phong consults Luong Xuan Truong about rival Incheon

*Incheon United - Hai Phong: 17h30 Tuesday 22/8.

In the first play-off round, Hai Phong won 4-1 at Hong Kong Rangers. Thanks to that, they went on to the play-off round against Incheon United - the fourth-placed team of the Korean K-League 1 season 2022.

In the Hai Phong squad, midfielder Luong Xuan Truong played for Incheon United in the 2016 season. Coach Nghiem said he asked his students about the opponent's tactics and system, but also affirmed that it was mainly for reference because there were many Things have changed after seven years.

Regarding the upcoming match at Sungui Arena Park, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem said: "This is an opportunity for us to learn from a stronger team. Meeting Incheon Unitd is also an opportunity for Hai Phong to raise the level."

Nghiem highly appreciated Incheon's two foreign soldiers, Brazilian striker Hernandes Rodrigues and Guinea-Bissau striker Gerso Fernandes. Against a stronger opponent, it will be difficult for Hai Phong to impose the same style of play as when defeating Rangers. But the 51-year-old coach still wants the home team to try to put pressure and play in its own way. Depending on developments on the field, he will adjust, maybe having to step back to defend the majority.

Regarding the possibility of penalty kicks after 120 minutes, coach Chu Dinh Nghiem said that Hai Phong must fight beyond normal to do it. If the team wins, the team will participate in the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2023-2024 with Hanoi FC. Otherwise, they will be relegated to the AFC Cup.

Nghiem once led Hanoi FC to play the AFC Champions League 2019 play-off against China's Shandong Luneng. The capital team controlled the game, scored the opening goal, but the mistake of the last 10 minutes made the team lose 1-4.