Football 

Harry Kewell and President Đỗ Vinh Quang (left) shake hands in the ceremony to introduce the new head coach of Hà Nội FC. Photos courtesy of Hà Nội FC

HÀ NỘI — Harry Kewell is prepared to embrace the pressure and committed to helping his players improve day by day as he officially takes charge of Hà Nội FC on October 9.

"It is great honour to stand here as the head coach of one of the great clubs. The club has a clear ambition. not just to win but to play with identity, pride and honour. That really excites me," says Kewell, the Australian coach, manager and former player in a ceremony in Hà Nội.

"Hà Nội has a history and strong tradition and fans here are also the best. Their expectations have driven me as head coach."

He adds that the club definitely wants titles and he accepts that pressure. He will focus on daily improvement first from day one, and work on getting more details right. Along with training standards, mentality, togetherness, the big results will come.

Harry Kewell has his first working session with players after arriving in Hà Nội.

 "In addition to being a former Australian and Asian football star, Kewell showed interest and thorough research when we met in online meetings", says Đỗ Vinh Quang, Hà Nội FC President.

"Through many meetings, Kewell convinced me with his in-depth professional presentation and specific suggestions to improve the team. He said that his only goal is to win. That is our shared goal.

"Of course it took a lot of time to reach a final agreement with a high-class and famous coach. But it's worth it, because our players will become better when they can learn from a legend right on the field instead of watching video clips."

Quang says the appointment of Kewell as head coach is part of a long-term strategy for the club to transform itself to international standards.

"We do not focus on short-term achievements but on building a sustainable foundation, helping Hà Nội compete fairly at the regional and continental levels in the future," says Quang.

"Besides, we contribute to the development of Vietnamese football by proving that Vietnamese clubs have enough potential and are attractive enough to attract big names from around the world." 

Kewell will have several days of working with his players before making his debut in the V.League 1 on October 18, when Hà Nội host leading team Ninh Bình FC.

Australian ambassador to Việt Nam Gillian Bird also attended the event, saying she is absolutely delighted to celebrate the exciting announcement of Kewell as the coach of Hà Nội.

Hà Nội FC President Đỗ Vinh Quang presents the club's jersey to Australian ambassador to Việt Nam Gillian Bird.

 "Harry Kewell is an Australian sporting legend and it’s fantastic to see him taking up the role as head coach of one of Việt Nam’s most decorated clubs, sharing his skills and experience with Việt Nam’s talented players," she says.

"With his deep international experience as a coach – and his outstanding record as one of our very own Socceroos – Harry Kewell has so much to contribute.

"We are proud to see Australians contributing their skills and leadership here in Vietnam, and equally committed to supporting Vietnamese talent and initiatives that foster friendship and regional unity."

Kewell, 47, represented Leeds United, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Melbourne Victory, Al-Gharafa and Melbourne Heart as a player.

Internationally, he received 58 caps, and scored 17 goals while playing for Australia. As a left winger he could play as an attacking midfielder or a second striker

Kewell is the only Australian man to have ever played in the UEFA Champions League final, as part of Liverpool's squad that won the title in 2005. He took part in two World Cups in 2006 and 2010.

Prior to Việt Nam, he lasted less than seven months in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan, and before that had less-than-memorable stints with English clubs Crawley Town, Notts County, Oldham Athletic and Barnet.

Kewell was part of Ange Postecoglou’s successful coaching staff at Celtic when the Glasgow giants won the Scottish treble in the 2022-23 season. VNS