Harry Kewell, a former powerhouse on the fields of Liverpool and Leeds, has opened up about his transformation from player to coach, guided by the expertise of the esteemed Ange Postecoglou and now Brendan Rodgers. In recounting his journey, Kewell unveils a captivating tale of two very different managerial philosophies.
After being welcomed into Celtic by Postecoglou, Kewell discovered himself a valued member of the backroom staff even following the departure of the former to Tottenham. When Rodgers returned for his second tenure in charge, Kewell quickly became an integral part of his coaching ensemble. The Australian savors the rare opportunity of working with two managerial virtuosos in the early stages of his coaching odyssey.
However, when pressed to decide, Kewell’s heart is drawn to Rodgers’ sophisticated tactical fabric. In an interview with the Celtic FC Podcast, Kewell delved into his experiences since embarking on his coaching career in June 2022. He reflected, “Normally, you would expect to work with a manager for three to four years before any changes occur. To have worked with two exceptional managers within two years, both highly regarded in the sport, but with completely different ideas, is a stroke of exceptional fortune.”
He nostalgically reminisces about his time with Postecoglou, praising his crystal-clear football vision. “I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Ange; his football ideas were outstanding. He possessed a precise understanding of what he wanted and articulated it in such a straightforward manner. It was not just black and white; it was brilliantly black. That’s how explicit his instructions were.”
Yet, Kewell finds himself drawn to the allure of Rodgers’ adaptable approach. He elaborates, “Working with Rodgers is an entirely different experience. I see myself more aligned with a Brendan Rodgers-style manager. He views the game through a distinct lens, always open to adapting and implementing tactical changes. It’s truly exhilarating to witness this perspective. We are still in the early stages, grasping his concepts, but they are remarkably clear.”
This introspection provides a glimpse into the divergent football philosophies that steer Celtic under different managerial reigns. Postecoglou’s straightforwardness contrasts sharply with Rodgers’ tactical astuteness, offering Kewell an enriching tapestry of knowledge. He finds a reflection of his own managerial aspirations in Rodgers’ dynamic approach to the game. As he navigates this vast tactical spectrum, the budding coach forges his unique football narrative, all while contributing to the ongoing Celtic saga.
