Former Celtic coach Harry Kewell struck out on his own once again at the turn of the year when he became the manager of Yokohama F. Marinos.
The Australian enjoyed a fantastic playing career, becoming an iconic figure at Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray, among others, before transitioning into the coaching circuit.
Having spent time in the dugout at Watford Under-21s, Crawley Town, Notts County, Oldham Athletic and Barnet, he joined Celtic in Ange Postecoglou’s tenure and made a mark as part of the backroom staff at Parkhead.
So much so that Kewell landed the top job at Yokohama F. Marinos in December 2023, replacing Kevin Muscat at the helm at the Nissan Stadium.
Nevertheless, his spell hasn’t gone to plan, and he has now been relieved of his duties amid a statement from the club.
Harry Kewell leaves Yokohama F. Marinos
Taking to social media platform X, Yokohama F. Marinos released a statement confirming Kewell has left the club with immediate effect and will be replaced by John Hutchinson on an interim basis.
Via translation, official communication read: “We are pleased to announce that we have terminated the contract of #HarryKewell as coach with effect from 15 July 2024. Please note that Head Coach #JohnHutchinson will take charge of the team on an interim basis from today’s training.”
Hutchinson has since added context to the development, firstly offering his honest assessment of a ‘difficult situation’ amid the news.
He stated: [Nikkan Sports]: “It’s a difficult situation. I have been here for the last six months as a manager and coach and as a friend. I am very sorry that he is leaving Japan. Not only him, but the staff, the players and the team as a whole, will take responsibility and move on.”
Later, he added when asked what he told the team after his sacking “First of all, I told them that I was very disappointed about coach [Kewell], but that we can do more. But I told them that we can do more. I want us to stick together and think about what this club is about. The players have done well up to today. They have played more games than any other team, and they have played a tough schedule. I told them that as well.”
Yokohama F.Marinos sit 12th in the J1 League standings and have won just three of their last nine league matches, finding themselves way below contention for the title or AFC Champions League slots.
Unfortunately, Kewell’s venture in Japan has come to an end; however, Celtic fans will wish him every success in the future as he takes some time before deciding where to continue his coaching career.
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