Hanoi Club's big boss said something surprising on the day legend Harry Kewell was introduced to the media

On October 9, 2025, Hanoi FC officially introduced coach Harry Kewell, marking a turning point in the long-term development strategy of the capital team, while creating a boost for the future of Vietnamese football.

The launching ceremony of coach Harry Kewell was attended by Ms. Gillian Bird - Australian Ambassador to Vietnam; Mr. Do Vinh Quang - Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of T&T Group , Chairman of Hanoi Club; along with representatives of players, Hanoi Fan Association and many reporters and media.

Hanoi Club President and new head coach

Chairman of Hanoi Club Do Vinh Quang

Photo: Giang An

The arrival of a world football icon like Harry Kewell to work in Vietnam is not only a coaching contract, but also a strategic event, demonstrating the aspiration to rise and integrate more deeply of Hanoi Club in particular, as well as Vietnamese football in general with the region and continent.

When arriving in Hanoi, Harry Kewell brought with him not only his reputation but also his experience from the harsh international environment, along with coaching philosophies in Europe and Japan – something that Vietnamese football desperately needs to transform.

Hanoi FC's aspiration when appointing coach Harry Kewell: Not pursuing short-term goals

Chairman of Hanoi Club Do Vinh Quang shared: "Hanoi Club is entering a new phase - a phase of modern thinking, discipline and professionalism. The appointment of Mr. Harry Kewell is part of a long-term strategy for the Club to transform itself according to international standards.

We do not focus on short-term achievements, but focus on building a sustainable foundation so that the club can compete fairly at the regional and continental levels in the future. At Hanoi FC, there is only one star - the team. No individual is bigger than the club, no one is bigger than solidarity and humility. I believe that Mr. Harry Kewell - with his European mindset and his heart for collective values ​​- will sympathize and continue this tradition.

Coach Harry Kewell

Harry Kewell is a world-class coach

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

Before coming to Vietnam, Mr. Kewell watched and analyzed all the matches of the club last season. He clearly understood the strengths and weaknesses and gave specific development directions. That shows that he came to us with professionalism, planning and belief in the future," he affirmed.

Vietnam - Australia cooperation bridge

The launch event of coach Harry Kewell had special significance as it took place under the witness of Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird, opening a new chapter in sports cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Do Vinh Quang emphasized: "We believe that the presence of the Australian coach at Hanoi FC is not only a football story, but also a symbol of the cooperation, friendship and people-to-people exchange between Vietnam and Australia. Harry Kewell is not only a world-class coach, but also a bridge to promote understanding, cooperation and development of common values ​​between two potential football backgrounds."

T&T Group and Hanoi Club wish to accompany the Australian Embassy, ​​as well as partners from the land of kangaroos, to expand exchange programs, training and cultural and sports development between the two countries.

"I have only one rule, work hard"

In the first training session with Hanoi Club, coach Harry Kewell shared sincerely with the whole team.

"I have only one rule - work hard. If you come here to learn, I will challenge you both physically and mentally. Training is where the real work happens, and the game is where we enjoy ourselves," he said.

Coach Harry Kewell in his first training session with Hanoi Club

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

He wants the players to work hard.

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

He emphasized that the efforts in each training session will be the foundation for Hanoi Club to regain its rightful position.

"I need you - coaches and players - to come together to bring Hanoi FC back to where we belong. My door is always open, don't be afraid to share. I love to talk, especially about football," the 47-year-old coach said with a smile.

Captain Van Quyet and coach Kewell

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

Coach Kewell and the team's interpreter

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

Born in 1978, Harry Kewell is one of the brightest stars of Australian football, having played 56 times for the national team, scoring 17 goals and participating in two World Cups in 2006 and 2010. At club level, he played for Leeds United and Liverpool, winning the 2004-2005 UEFA Champions League and the 2005-2006 FA Cup.

After retiring at the age of 36, Kewell started his coaching career in England and then worked as an assistant to coach Ange Postecoglou at Celtic (Scotland), before leading Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan) and bringing this team to the final of the AFC Champions League 2023-2024.

The whole team is excited about the new journey with the Australian legend.

PHOTO: HANOI CLUB

With extensive experience in Europe, the Australian coach is expected to help Hanoi FC build a modern playing identity and aim for the aspiration to reach out to the continent.

After a few days of observing the team and making a preliminary assessment, Coach Kewell will immediately get to work. He will have his debut match in the V-League with the capital team on October 18 against the new team that is flying high on the rankings, Ninh Binh Club.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sep-lon-clb-ha-noi-noi-dieu-bat-ngo-trong-ngay-huyen-thoai-harry-kewell-ra-mat-truyen-thong-185251009093518701.htm