Hanoi FC has officially announced Australian legend Harry Kewell as their new head coach. This announcement immediately caused a buzz on social media, drawing numerous well-wishes and expectations from football fans across Southeast Asia.
Harry Kewell is a familiar figure to football enthusiasts, having played for Leeds United and Liverpool, and winning the UEFA Champions League with the Reds in 2004/05. As a coach, he led Yokohama F. Marinos to the AFC Champions League final in 2023/24, marking a significant achievement in Asia. With this new signing, Hanoi FC aims to open a more ambitious chapter, not only in the V-League but also on the international stage.
Most Southeast Asian supporters are excited. A Vietnamese fan wrote: “Wow, Hanoi is really making bold moves! Bringing a Liverpool legend to lead is definitely a daring step.” Meanwhile, Thai fans also shared: “Harry Kewell, this is fantastic. He was once a great player, now he has the chance to make history in Vietnam.”
Many believe Kewell’s arrival will enhance the V-League’s international appeal. A Malaysian fan commented: “This is a positive sign for the entire league. Major clubs in the region need high-caliber foreign coaches to raise the quality.” Even an Indonesian fan sent wishes: “Hopefully, Kewell will bring a winning spirit to Hanoi, just like he fought on the field for Liverpool.”
However, there are mixed reactions. One fan expressed doubts: “Famous players do not always become good coaches. Kewell needs to prove himself with results.” Another questioned Hanoi FC’s internal situation: “Without fixing internal issues, even 10 Harry Kewells won’t be able to revive the team.”
For now, the 46-year-old coach will officially debut in round 7 of the V-League right after the national team’s October break. Technical director Yusuke Adachi, currently interim, will return to his previous role to assist Kewell.
With extensive experience in Europe and Asia, Harry Kewell brings high expectations for Hanoi FC’s quest to reclaim the top spot in the V-League and achieve strong results in the AFC Champions League. Most Southeast Asian fans are hopeful this partnership will inject fresh energy into Vietnamese football, making Hanoi FC a more prominent name on the regional football map.