From Troussier to Harry Kewell: When Branding Doesn't Guarantee Winning

Harry Kewell is creating a positive initial effect for Hanoi FC, but the road ahead is still full of difficulties (photo HNFC)

Compared to dozens of colleagues who lost their seats at Hanoi FC, Harry Kewell had an illustrious playing career. This helped him gain the respect of the team's talented stars. It is not easy to drive a Ferrari if you are not a good driver.

Kewell’s reputation also brought a positive effect on the image of Hanoi FC, in addition to the fresh atmosphere after a series of disappointing matches. Over the past three years, Mr. Hien’s team has been struggling in the vortex of changing generals, allowing opponents in the V.League to surpass them.

In the last three seasons, Hanoi FC has been overtaken by Hanoi Police and Nam Dinh in the championship race. This season, they are losing ground and have just been eliminated from the National Cup by The Cong Viettel. In this context, Harry Kewell is expected to be the “blockbuster” that will bring about a turnaround.

However, if only in terms of coaching expertise, it is not by chance that the former Australian and Liverpool player is considered a risky "gamble" for Mr. Hien. In fact, Kewell has not really been successful in his coaching career. Statistics show that in the past 5 years, he has led... 4 teams.

Looking back at another case is the former head coach of the Vietnam national team, Philippe Troussier, who was famous for his “white witch” brand. However, when leading the Vietnam national team, he was not successful and his contract was soon terminated.

If successful, coach Harry Kewell can help Hanoi FC overcome the crisis. But on the contrary, Mr. Hien's team will face a big question mark ahead if the former Australian player fails because then the problem of reviving the club will no longer be a matter of changing the coach.