Harry Kewell leads membership to AFC Champions League last – creates Istanbul ‘rematch’ – Liverpool FC

Harry Kewell is presently a supervisor in Japan, and on Saturday he’ll lead his within the AFC Champions League last, in a matchup that has ties to its 2005 European counterpart.

The previous Liverpool man has been in administration since 2015, beginning at Watford‘s academy earlier than taking over roles all through the Soccer League up till 2023.

In December, he was introduced as the pinnacle coach of Yokohama Marinos in Japan, and he has since led his facet to the ultimate of probably the most prestigious membership competitors in Asian soccer.

The AFC Champions League operates very similar to UEFA’s competitors, and the winner will qualify 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup, going down in america subsequent summer season.

Kewell guided his facet safely by way of the knockout phases – which included a semi-final penalty shootout – and can meet Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain within the last, who’re managed by Hernan Crespo.

It’s a title Liverpool followers will know all too properly, as he scored a double for AC Milan within the 2005 Champions League last earlier than the Reds mounted their unbelievable comeback.

Kewell was named in Rafa Benitez’s beginning lineup in Istanbul however was withdrawn earlier than Crespo acquired his title on the scoresheet after a groin harm within the twenty third minute.

Quick-forward almost 20 years and Kewell and Crespo will once more be in reverse dugouts as they search to elevate the trophy with a successful scoreline over two legs.

In contrast to the European Champions League last, its Asian counterpart sees the ultimate happen over two legs, with each golf equipment having the chance to play at house.

Kewell’s facet will host the primary leg on Could 11 earlier than a visit to Abu Dhabi follows on Could 25.

Whereas the Australian has succeeded in knockout competitions, Yokohama Marinos have solely gained 4 of their 11 league video games to this point to take a seat in eleventh place, 9 factors off the leaders.

The now 45-year-old performed 139 instances for the Reds between 2003 and 2008, scoring 16 targets and lifting two trophies.