The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong coach Andersen happy with technical director appointment, calls for ‘fight and energy’ in World Cup clash

Hong Kong face Uzbekistan in a Fifa World Cup qualifying clash on Thursday

The match at Mong Kok Stadium marks a return to action for Jorn Andersen’s team, two months after they exited the AFC Asian Cup finals

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Hong Kong players jog around the Mong Kok Stadium pitch ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan. Photo: Elson Li

Published: 8:00am, 21 Mar 2024

Jorn Andersen has given his backing to the Hong Kong FA’s appointment of Englishman John Morling as the governing body’s technical director.

The head coach, whose team host Uzbekistan in a World Cup qualifier at sold-out Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday, was the first FA employee to speak publicly about Morling’s arrival, which was confirmed this week.

The Norwegian said Morling, who spent nearly 10 years as academy head of English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, but left under a cloud when he was dismissed in February 2022 following a breach of Covid protocols, would have limited influence on the Hong Kong senior team.

“I met him at the weekend, and I am very happy with [the appointment],” Andersen said. “He has the same situation as Carlos [Anton, technical director until July 2023], who focused on many other things, and not too much on the first team.

“He has good experience from England … and I think he can help us a lot. I was at two games with him, we spoke a lot, and he is a good guy.”

Jorn Andersen answers questions at a press conference ahead of his side’s game against Uzbekistan. Photo: Elson Li

Uzbekistan made a similar appointment last month, but Srecko Katanec, the experienced head coach, said his role was “completely separate” from that of technical director Guy Kiala.