Hanoi FC: Replacing a top coach in hopes of changing their fortunes.

The highlight match of Round 7 of the V-League 2025-2026 is the clash between Hanoi FC and Ninh Binh FC at Hang Day Stadium at 7:15 PM on October 18th (FPT Play).

Expectations are high for Coach Kewell's experience.

Ahead of Round 7 of the V-League 2025-2026, Hanoi FC is making several changes to improve its performance. The capital city team has recruited renowned coach Harry Kewell and Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio Araujo) as a "domestic player" after his naturalization was approved.

Hanoi FC once dominated Vietnamese professional football with a record of 6 V-League titles, 3 National Cups, and 5 National Super Cups. However, in the last 3 V-League seasons, the "purple jersey" team has been unable to win the championship.

After parting ways with key players like Quang Hai, Duc Huy, Dinh Trong, and Viet Anh, Hanoi FC lost its playing identity. A policy of acquiring low-quality foreign players, coupled with the decline of veteran domestic players, has caused Hanoi FC to struggle when competing against equally matched opponents.

Thay — Coach Harry Kewell will be introduced to Hanoi FC fans and V-League supporters tonight (October 18). Graphic: VE LOAN

By successfully recruiting coach Harry Kewell, the Hanoi FC management hopes he will help the team regain its form, revitalize its attacking style, and reclaim its top position. Kewell is a former renowned Australian footballer who achieved success in the Premier League. During his peak playing years, he was an excellent winger with a modern, attacking football philosophy.

During his playing career, Kewell was a key player for prestigious clubs such as Leeds United, Liverpool, and Galatasaray. When he transitioned to coaching, the 47-year-old Australian strategist had four years of experience working in England, two years managing Yokohama F. Marinos (J-League), before moving to Hanoi FC.

Coach Kewell quickly recognized the strengths and weaknesses of his players upon arriving in Vietnam. During his first training session with the new team, he continuously introduced tactical thinking exercises to improve the Hanoi FC players' ability to make flexible runs off the ball.

Coach Kewell demands that the players always think quickly to know what to do both with and without the ball. This is a familiar training method for players competing in the Premier League.

In addition, the new Hanoi FC coach also analyzed video footage of six matches involving Ninh Binh FC - his first opponent in the V-League. Coach Kewell's professionalism was highly appreciated by the players, and they are striving to quickly adapt to the playing philosophy he has developed.

Speaking about the new "captain," defender Xuan Manh commented: "Mr. Kewell is expected to bring a breath of fresh air, revitalize the team's fighting spirit, create a relaxed mindset, and increase confidence before matches. Personally, I am very excited to work with him and look forward to new things from a coach with a successful playing career."

Increase attack power

Having completed the naturalization procedures, Brazilian-born midfielder Hendrio Araujo officially became a Vietnamese citizen with the new name Do Hoang Hen from October 17th. This creates an advantage in terms of squad strength for Hanoi FC in the remainder of the 2025-2026 V-League season.

Hoang Hen moved to Hanoi FC in the middle of the 2024-2025 season but did not play in the 2025-2026 season. The 31-year-old midfielder is a product of the renowned Barcelona academy, having played for many years at famous clubs in Brazil, Spain, Portugal, etc., before moving to Vietnam to play in the V-League.

Hoang Hen possesses excellent individual technique, keen vision, and a dangerous finishing ability. He and Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) played a major role in Nam Dinh FC's miraculous two-year consecutive V-League championship win. Prior to that, Hendrio was also a key player in Binh Dinh FC, leading them to a third-place finish in the V-League and runner-up position in the National Cup in the 2022 season.

Alongside rookie Do Hoang Hen are many experienced veterans such as captain Van Quyet, Tuan Hai, Hai Long, Duy Manh...

Facing league leaders Ninh Binh is also an opportunity for Coach Kewell's team to regain their status as title contenders. A victory would help them close the gap with the team from the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. After 6 rounds, Hanoi FC is currently in 6th place with 8 points, 6 points behind Ninh Binh.

At 6 PM on October 18th, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC will face the home team - the reigning champions Nam Dinh FC. At Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC will play against Ha Tinh FC at 7:15 PM on October 19th.