Harry Kewell's first challenge in V.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 a contract with Hanoi, Coach Harry Kewell will make his debut against Ninh Binh . The arrival of the Australian coach brings with it many expectations, but also puts him in front of a big challenge: reviving a team under pressure from performance.

The challenge named Ninh Binh

The capital team set a goal of winning at least one tournament to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team's establishment. However, the early stop in the National Cup qualifying round left Hanoi with only hope in the V.League. However, this team started the season slowly when continuously losing points even though the opponents were only teams rated lower.

It was not until the 4th round, under the direction of interim coach Yusuke Adachi, that Hanoi showed signs of improvement. A draw and two wins under the guidance of the Japanese expert helped the capital team accumulate 7 more points and somewhat regain confidence.

However, the inherent problems have not been completely solved. After 6 rounds, Hanoi has 8 points and is temporarily ranked 6th on the rankings before coach Harry Kewell officially took over the hot seat. The attack lacks sharpness, while the midfield lacks creativity and connection. This is a big problem waiting for the Australian strategist to solve when he starts working in Hanoi.

Coach Harry Kewell only had 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, the team that is creating an earthquake this season. Despite being a rookie, they have become the "fear" of many opponents with their impressive performance. Ninh Binh defeated Nam Dinh - the current V.League champion, and held The Cong Viettel to a draw thanks to their disciplined play, solid defense and fast counterattacks.

Under the guidance of coach Albadalejo Castano Gerard, the ancient capital team plays with a fierce spirit, is not afraid of collisions and knows how to make the most of opportunities. With that form, they are considered an ideal but also risky "test" for the new coach of Hanoi.

No small pressure in V.League

Before the debut day, Coach Kewell admitted that he only had a short time to get to know his students. The former Liverpool player shared during the contract signing ceremony: “This is not an easy job, but I like the feeling of enjoying the pressure. Football is always associated with pressure. When coming to a team like Hanoi, I have to prepare carefully and do well from the smallest details every day.”

The 46-year-old strategist wants to bring direct, fast-paced football that prioritizes quick transitions. However, to apply it in the V.League, he will have to face many differences, from the tight schedule to the weather conditions and the physical playing style.

The harshness of this season’s V.League has made Kewell’s challenge even more difficult. After only 6 rounds, three coaches have lost their jobs, including the regretful departure of coach Teguramori Makoto - the predecessor who helped Hanoi win the runner-up position last season. The pressure to achieve results has become a “vortex” that any coach can be caught up in if they do not achieve good results in the short term.

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

For Hanoi, the appointment of coach Harry Kewell is a bold move. This team is familiar with domestic coaches or experienced coaches in Vietnam or the region. Meanwhile, Kewell is leading for the first time in the Southeast Asian football environment.

However, it is this very freshness that can bring a different wind. Players like Van Quyet, Hai Long, Tuan Hai or Hoang promise to benefit from a philosophy that focuses on ball control and flexible movement of the Australian coach.

The match against Ninh Binh was Kewell’s first chance to make his mark. Hanoi fans were expecting not only a win, but also a change in the way the team played: more compact, more imaginative and more energetic.

A positive start will give him more time and confidence to build his own style of play, but if he fails, the pressure will immediately double in an environment that has no room for patience.

Harry Kewell understands that. Professional football has no room for waiting too long, especially at a team accustomed to the top like Hanoi. And so, the debut match against Ninh Binh is not only the beginning of a new coach, but also a test of the ability of a famous former player.

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