Former Red FIRED as coach for ‘lack of respect’ towards players

Former Liverpool star Harry Kewell has been sacked as manager of Yokohama F. Marinos despite reaching the AFC Champions League final with the Japanese side.

Kewell, who played for the Reds between 2003 and 2008, began his coaching career in England with short spells at Notts County, Oldham and Barnet before finally moving to Yokohama in 2023.

The Australian has only taken charge of 33 games but helped the J1 League side reach the AFC Champions League final earlier this year, facing Hernan Crespo’s Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates.

Although Yokohama won the first leg 2–1, they suffered a humiliating 5–1 defeat away from home during the return leg in early May.

Sitting 12th in the J1 League and with four defeats in their last six matches, Yokohama have decided to part ways with Kewell just seven months after his signing.

HARRY KEWELL ACCUSED OF “LACK OF RESPECT”

According to Japanese newspaper Yokohama Express, poor performance was just one factor in Kewell’s dismissal, with his tactics, communication and people management skills being questioned.

The report states that “unclear instructions and a lack of respect towards players” were other reasons for his dismissal, with interaction with players understandably complicated due to the language barrier.

A recent statement from Yokohama read: “We would like to announce that we have released the contract of head coach Harry Kewell, effective July 15, 2024. Head coach John Hutchinson will take over as interim head coach effective today’s training session.”

It is a major setback for Kewell early in his coaching career, with his most productive period on the touchline coming when he was assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.

Of course, there is the possibility that the compatriots could meet again at Tottenham Hotspur in the future.

Kewell made 139 appearances for the Reds over the years, scoring 16 goals and winning the Champions League with the club in 2005.