Liverpool FC News: Former Red SACKED as coach for 'lack of respect' toward players

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

Kewell, who played for the Reds between 2003 and 2008, began his managerial career in England, with short stints at Notts County, Oldham and Barnet, before eventually making the move to Yokohama in 2023.

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

While Yokohama won the first leg 2-1, they fell to a humbling 5-1 defeat away from home during the second leg in early May.

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

HARRY KEWELL ACCUSED OF 'LACK OF RESPECT'

According to Japanese outlet Yokohama Express, poor performances were only one factor in Kewell's dismissal, with his tactics, communication and man-management skills all coming under scrutiny.

The report states 'unclear instructions and a lack of respect toward players' as other reasons for his sacking, with player interaction understandably tricky given the language barrier.

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

It's a major setback for Kewell at the beginning of his managerial career, with his most fruitful period on the touchline coming when he was assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Celtic.

Of course, there is the possibility that the countrymen reunite at Tottenham Hotspur in the future.

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