Harry Kewell admits pressure when leading Hanoi FC

Coach Harry Kewell admits the pressure when leading Hanoi Club.

On the afternoon of October 9, Hanoi FC officially introduced coach Harry Kewell to the media. The former Australian player could not hide his excitement at the opportunity to work in Vietnam, and frankly admitted the big challenges that lie ahead.

Pressure from a team with a rich tradition

“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 FC, I have to prepare carefully and do well from the smallest details every day. I look forward to that pressure, because it will help me have more motivation,” the coach born in 1978 shared.

During his playing career, Kewell played for Leeds United, Liverpool and played in two World Cups with the Australian national team. As a coach, Kewell has led clubs in England, Scotland and most recently Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan), a team that reached the AFC Champions League final.

However, the context at Hanoi FC is different. This is the most successful club in Vietnamese football with a series of V.League, National Cup and Super Cup titles.

“When I first spoke to the club’s leadership, I could feel the ambition. They not only want to win, but they want to maintain their identity and pride. That excites me, but it also creates pressure. I know the club always expects trophies, and I am ready to accept that challenge,” Kewell admitted.

The new coach of Hanoi said he had watched many matches of the capital team before accepting the job. In the first team meeting, Kewell gave 3 key principles to aim at maximizing the players' abilities.

He affirmed: “Every coach has his own philosophy, but the important thing is to make the players understand clearly his message and wishes. I want to build my own path, based on the people I have. Everyone wants to play beautiful football like Liverpool or Man City, but it takes time to reach that level. I will guide the players on how to adapt and play most effectively under current conditions.”

Kewell also denied having “sat idle” for more than a year without coaching any club. He affirmed that a coach never stops learning, even when not directly in charge.

“I spend time researching, exercising, following many tournaments and learning from friends and former teammates. My family is also happy that I have more time with them, but my heart is always with football,” he said.

Coach Harry Kewell aims to bring Hanoi Club back to its original position.

Confidence from club leaders

At 46, Kewell believes his experience as both a player and a coach will help him adapt quickly to the new environment. “I am truly honored to work for the most successful team in Vietnam. I can feel the love that the people here have for football, even when I walk on the streets. I will work hard every day to bring respect, determination and commitment to the team,” Kewell emphasized.

Regarding the immediate plan, he believes that the most important thing is to improve step by step in training, from training standards, mentality to the way of implementing the playing style. If done well, bigger achievements will gradually come.

Regarding the capital team, Chairman Do Vinh Quang affirmed: “The image and brand of Coach Harry Kewell are beyond dispute. He is a world-class player, and his journey from player to coach has brought Yokohama F. Marinos to the AFC Champions League final. This is an important key for us to make a decision. Without his interest, it would be very difficult to approach such a great coach.”

The capital team's leaders believe that Kewell's presence will not only help Hanoi improve their performance, but also raise the club's image, expand international cooperation opportunities and attract more talents to the V.League.

Coach Kewell will be introduced to fans in the match against Ninh Binh (October 18) in round 7 of V.League 2025/26. With a clear philosophy, international experience and a spirit ready to accept pressure, Kewell is expected to bring a new breeze to the capital team.

Source: https://znews.vn/harry-kewell-thua-nhan-ap-luc-khi-dan-dat-clb-ha-noi-post1592277.html