Hanoi, 9 October 2025 – Former Liverpool striker Harry Kewell officially took charge of Hanoi FC on October 9, expressing his excitement at embracing the club’s high expectations and vowing to guide Vietnam’s most successful team back to winning ways in the V.League 1.
At his official unveiling on October 9, Australian coach Harry Kewell shared his enthusiasm for taking over Hanoi FC, stating that he is eager to handle the pressure that comes with leading one of Vietnam’s most ambitious football clubs. “This club always strives for titles, and I fully accept that pressure,” Kewell said. “That’s what makes football so special and exciting. It’s what motivates me to take this challenge.”
Kewell becomes the 10th coach of Hanoi FC, including both interim and full-time appointments, since 2021. The capital club, which failed to win any trophies over the past two seasons, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and is determined to reclaim its dominance. However, a poor start to the 2025–2026 V.League 1 campaign — with five winless matches and an early Cup exit — led to the dismissal of coach Makoto Teguramori and several club executives. The club’s management has now turned to Kewell to revive their season.
The 1978-born coach emphasized that he intends to make an impact from day one, focusing on every small detail such as training standards, team spirit, and cohesion. “Sometimes, the little things done correctly can lead to big results,” said the former Liverpool and Leeds United star. He also revealed that Hanoi FC’s ambition deeply impressed him during negotiations, noting that the club not only wants to win but to do so with its own identity. “This is not an easy job, but I’m ready to enjoy the challenge,” Kewell added.
Kewell studied several of Hanoi FC’s matches, attended their two most recent games, and submitted a detailed report to club president Do Vinh Quang. He said he identified “three key secrets” to discuss with the players as part of his initial assessment. Having conducted his first training session with the team yesterday, he will have ten days to prepare for his debut match against Ninh Binh in Round 7 of the V.League 1. “The most important thing is to communicate clearly,” Kewell explained. “Each player processes information differently, and I want them to understand exactly what I expect during this short preparation period.”
Widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest footballers, Kewell earned 56 international caps, scoring 17 goals, and represented the Socceroos at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups. At club level, he made 381 appearances and scored 79 goals across stints with Leeds United (1995–2003) and Liverpool (2003–2008). He was part of Liverpool’s 2004–2005 UEFA Champions League-winning squad and later won the FA Cup in 2005–2006. Kewell then played for Galatasaray in Turkey, making 91 appearances from 2008 to 2011.
However, his transition into management has been challenging. Since retiring in 2014, Kewell has held four head coaching roles in England’s lower divisions but never lasted beyond one season. In 2022, he joined Celtic as assistant coach to compatriot Ange Postecoglou, helping the Scottish giants claim a domestic treble. Later, in December 2023, he moved to Japan to lead Yokohama F. Marinos but struggled to replicate that success. After a record of 13 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses, Kewell was dismissed after seven months as the club fell from J.League 1 runners-up to ninth place.
Reflecting on those experiences, Kewell said his biggest challenge has always been time. “Everyone wants to play like Manchester City or Liverpool, but it takes time and hard work every day,” he explained. “I’m a coach who always adapts and learns through each experience — in England, Scotland, or Japan — to create the most beautiful football possible while still achieving results.”
After taking over Hanoi FC, Kewell said he received strong support from his family and even consulted his close friend and former teammate Robbie Fowler, who previously played in Southeast Asia. “Robbie shared valuable advice about working in this region,” Kewell revealed. Fowler, who also represented Leeds and Liverpool, played for Muangthong United in Thailand in 2011, scoring 10 goals in 20 matches.
Now stepping into one of the most high-pressure managerial roles in Vietnamese football, Harry Kewell hopes to transform that pressure into passion — reigniting Hanoi FC’s winning spirit and restoring the pride of Vietnam’s most decorated club.
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