Harry Kewell's first challenge in the V.League.

Coach Harry Kewell will make his debut for Hanoi FC when they host Ninh Binh in Round 7 of the V.League 2025/26 – a match that promises to be challenging, as the visiting team is one of the most difficult to play against in the league.

Coach Harry Kewell will make his debut in the match between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Photo: Hanoi Football Club .

Less than two weeks after signing with Hanoi FC, coach Harry Kewell will make his debut in the match against Ninh Binh . The arrival of the Australian coach brings high expectations, but also presents him with a significant challenge: reviving a team under immense pressure due to poor results.

The challenge is called Ninh Binh.

The capital city team aimed to win at least one competition to celebrate their 20th anniversary. However, their early exit from the National Cup qualifiers left Hanoi with only hope in the V.League. Yet, the team had a slow start to the season, consistently dropping points even against lower-ranked opponents.

It wasn't until the fourth round, under the guidance of interim coach Yusuke Adachi, that Hanoi FC showed signs of improvement. A draw and two wins under the Japanese expert's leadership helped the capital city team accumulate an additional 7 points and regain some confidence.

However, the inherent problems remain unresolved. After six rounds, Hanoi had 8 points and were temporarily ranked 6th in the standings before coach Harry Kewell officially took over. The attack lacked sharpness, while the midfield lacked creativity and cohesion. This is a major challenge awaiting the Australian strategist as he begins his work at Hanoi.

Coach Harry Kewell had only a few days to get acquainted with his players before his debut match. Photo: Hanoi Football Club.

The 46-year-old coach's first challenge is Ninh Binh, a team that is creating a sensation this season. Despite being a newcomer, they have become a "nightmare" for many opponents with their impressive form. Ninh Binh has previously defeated Nam Dinh - the reigning V.League champions, and drawn with The Cong Viettel thanks to their disciplined play, solid defense, and fast counter-attacks.

Under the guidance of coach Albadalejo Castano Gerard, the team from the ancient capital plays with fierce determination, unafraid of physical contact, and knows how to make the most of opportunities. With that form, they are considered an ideal but also risky "test" for Hanoi's new coach.

There's considerable pressure in the V.League.

Before his official unveiling, Coach Kewell admitted he only had a short time to get acquainted with his players. The former Liverpool star shared during the contract signing: “This isn’t an easy job, but I enjoy the feeling of pressure. Football is always associated with pressure. When I come to a team like Hanoi, I have to prepare thoroughly and do well in even the smallest details every day.”

The 46-year-old strategist wants to bring a direct, fast-paced style of football that prioritizes quick transitions. However, to implement this in the V.League, he will have to face many differences, from the packed schedule to the weather conditions and the physically demanding style of play.

The harshness of this season's V.League makes Kewell's challenge even more daunting. After only six rounds, three coaches have already lost their jobs, including the regrettable departure of coach Teguramori Makoto - his predecessor who led Hanoi to the runner-up position last season. The pressure to achieve results has become a "vortex" that any coach can be drawn into if they don't achieve good results in the short term.

The Australian strategist will face significant pressure in the V.League. Photo: Hanoi Football Club.

For Hanoi FC, appointing Harry Kewell as head coach is a bold move. The team is accustomed to local coaches or experienced managers in Vietnam or the region. Meanwhile, this is Kewell's first time coaching in the Southeast Asian football environment.

However, this very novelty could bring a different kind of change. Players like Van Quyet, Hai Long, Tuan Hai, and Hoang are expected to benefit from the Australian coach's philosophy, which emphasizes ball control and flexible movement.

The match against Ninh Binh was Kewell's first opportunity to make his mark. Hanoi fans were expecting not only a victory, but also a change in the way the team played: more streamlined, more creative, and more energetic.

A positive start would give him more time and confidence to build his own playing style, while a failure would immediately double the pressure in an environment where patience is of the essence.

Harry Kewell understands that. Professional football doesn't allow for long waits, especially at a team accustomed to the top like Hanoi FC. Therefore, his debut match against Ninh Binh is not only the start of a new coach's career, but also a test of the capabilities of a former renowned player.

Source: https://znews.vn/thu-thach-dau-tien-cua-harry-kewell-o-vleague-post1594555.html