Coach Harry Kewell: New expectations for capital football

On October 9, Hanoi Football Club officially announced its new head coach, Harry Kewell, a former Australian footballer who played for Leeds United and Liverpool. This is a move that shows the determination to innovate and integrate internationally of one of the most traditional football teams in Vietnam.

Chairman of Hanoi Football Club - Mr. Do Vinh Quang and coach Harry Kewell.

Harry Kewell is one of the most prominent names in Australian football. During his playing career, he reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League with Leeds United in the 2000-2001 season and then won the championship with Liverpool in the 2004-2005 season. Not only is he a familiar face in the Premier League, Kewell is also a symbol of the modern, energetic and disciplined style of play of Australian football.

After retiring, Kewell pursued a coaching career in England and Scotland, leading many teams such as Crawley Town, Oldham Athletic, Barnet, and holding an assistant role at Celtic - a top Scottish club. Most recently, he was the head coach of Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan), where he helped the team win the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League runner-up.

With experience playing and coaching in the most demanding environments in the world , Kewell's presence at Hanoi FC brings with it many expectations for a more professional and modern style of football.

Coach Harry Kewell speaks at the Launch Ceremony.

Before arriving in Vietnam, Mr. Kewell proactively researched Hanoi FC thoroughly by reviewing all of the previous season's matches, identifying strengths and weaknesses and providing tactical direction.

Mr. Kewell clearly expressed his seriousness and excitement when taking on the task at the Capital team: “I have had many experiences in my playing and coaching career, but in Vietnam, the emotions are very special. I can feel the intense love for football from the people here. The leaders of Hanoi FC have clear ambitions: not only to win, but also to build a competitive identity. I understand that this is a team with many achievements, with fans always expecting the best results. I am ready to accept the pressure, try and do my best."

For his part, Hanoi FC Chairman Do Vinh Quang said that the appointment of coach Harry Kewell is part of the club's long-term strategy to improve professional quality, standardize training methods and team management according to international models. According to him, the team does not set short-term performance goals but aims to build a sustainable foundation to conquer regional and continental arenas.

Mr. Vinh Quang emphasized: “At Hanoi Club, there is only one star, that is the collective. No individual is above the team. I believe that Mr. Kewell, with his European football mindset and spirit of collective values, will accompany us on this new journey.”

The launch ceremony was also attended by Ms. Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. Speaking at the event, she expressed her pride in seeing an Australian coach working in Vietnam, considering this a memorable milestone in the friendly relationship between the two countries.

“Harry Kewell is an Australian football legend. It is great to see him here and share his skills and experience with the Vietnamese players. Vietnam and Australia have a close cooperation relationship in many areas, from trade, education to security.

But the most important thing is the connection between people. Sports, especially football, has great connecting power. With his rich experience, I believe that Mr. Harry Kewell will bring a lot of value to Hanoi Club and Vietnamese football,” Ms. Gillian Bird shared.

Fierce ball fight between Hanoi Police players (red shirt) and Hanoi FC. (Photo: TRAN HAI)

It can be seen that the presence of coach Harry Kewell is expected to contribute to changing the football mindset at Hanoi club in particular and V-League in general. This is not only a professional addition, but also a symbol of the increasingly deep integration trend of Vietnamese football.

Hanoi FC is a team that has won 6 V-League championships, 2 National Cups, 5 National Super Cups and is entering its 20th year since its establishment. With a long history of achievements and its role as a source of key players for the national team for many years, the Capital team is moving towards a new stage of development, more professional and of international stature.

In the context of Vietnamese football increasingly asserting its position at the national team level, but still lacking breakthroughs at the club level, inviting a name like Harry Kewell to work is an important step. This not only contributes to improving internal professional capacity, but also helps V-League attract the attention of international experts, opening up opportunities for cooperation and sustainable development.

PHAN THACH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nha-cam-quan-harry-kewell-ky-vong-moi-cho-bong-da-thu-do-post914184.html