Following a challenging 2023/24 season marked by inconsistencies and criticism, the upcoming season promises stronger competition, better officiating, and more opportunities for young talent.

The optimism stems from significant activity in the V-League transfer market, with numerous multi-billion contracts and a collective desire to address the lackluster quality seen in the 2023/24 season.

Last season's V-League was less thrilling due to several factors, primarily the league's transition to a new schedule and poorly planned match fixtures that challenged clubs. However, after a season of adjustments and familiarity with the new format, there is hope for positive change.

Looking back at the 2023/24 season, controversies surrounding officiating seemed to have decreased due to the introduction of VAR in matches. However, many issues with the "kings of the field" remain, and the media and fans have chosen not to focus on them rather than achieving the expected improvements.

Therefore, in the 2024/25 season, fans and clubs alike are eager for significant improvements in referee quality to minimize disputes and prevent incorrect calls from affecting match outcomes.

In the first half of 2024, Vietnamese football faced numerous failures, from the national team to youth teams. While there are multiple reasons, one key issue is the declining quality of young players.

Fans hope that the new season will see more young players getting playing time, unlike the limited opportunities in the 2023/24 V-League. Young players must differentiate themselves and strive for excellence to earn playing time, but clubs should also be more open and less restrictive in utilizing young talent.

It is crucial for young players to gain experience, as numerous important tournaments, such as the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the SEA Games, will take place in 2025. Without fostering new talents, reclaiming glory after recent setbacks will be challenging.

Duy Nguyen