Coach Kewell is fed up with the V-League pitch: 'I've never seen this before'

Coach Harry Kewell admitted that he had never seen a pitch similar to Binh Duong's, in the 'water battle' between Becamex TP.HCM and Hanoi in round 8 of V-League.

Coach Kewell: 'You can't pass the ball on this pitch'

Hanoi FC came from behind to defeat Becamex TP.HCM in the 8th round of the V-League on a waterlogged Binh Duong pitch. This was coach Harry Kewell’s first win with Hanoi FC, just 1 week after the disappointing defeat against Ninh Binh FC.

Although Hanoi FC (ranked 6th) has not been able to return to the race, the gap with the top 3 has been shortened to only 4 points. More importantly, Coach Kewell had a victory to relieve the pressure, in the context that the Australian strategist has never had experience coaching in the V-League.

Coach Harry Kewell inspires his students

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

While encouraging his players at halftime, coach Kewell admitted that he had "never seen anything like this before" when he saw the Binh Duong pitch flooded, making it impossible for the ball to roll.

The heavy rain in Ho Chi Minh City caused the match to take place in poor conditions of the field and weather. However, overcoming all, Coach Kewell's students still created many opportunities, scored 3 goals and returned with 3 hard-won points. This was also the first time Coach Kewell shared with his students the feeling of... helplessness when there was no solution for the waterlogged field.

"How do you think this game will play out? We'll just have to fight. You can't pass the ball on this court. So you'll have to drop it behind them. I've never seen this before, so I don't have a good answer.

Hanoi FC must come out together, fight and fight. Things are still very difficult, but we still have a chance. We can really play football, however, we need to be stronger," said Coach Kewell.

Coach Kewell still faces many storms

Having only worked at Hanoi FC for nearly 3 weeks, Coach Kewell has not yet imparted any specific philosophy. He only observes, takes notes, and then corrects every detail of his players' playing.

Hanoi Club (purple shirt) finds the joy of victory again

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

For example, in the match against Becamex TP.HCM, he corrected the players' mindset: "When defending, don't try to rush into the ball like that. If you feel uncertain about winning the ball, stay calm. Slowly observe the situation."

Coach Kewell also told the 3-man midfield of Hanoi Club "to observe carefully, divide tasks clearly, understand who wants to hold the ball, and who is responsible for the competition".

Although the advice was brief, it helped Hanoi FC "transform" after the break to play more smoothly and coherently. On the Binh Duong field, Mr. Kewell's students were lucky to avoid conceding a goal when their opponents missed a penalty kick. But overall, the capital's representative won deservedly to keep sixth place, not letting the top group fall too far behind.

In round 9 on October 31, Hanoi FC faced a difficult challenge at Ha Tinh Stadium. In round 10, Kewell and his team returned home to welcome PVF-CAND. If they take all 6 points, Hanoi FC will put pressure on the top 3.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-kewell-ngan-ngam-mat-san-v-league-toi-chua-tung-thay-thu-nay-bao-gio-185251027223832254.htm