Technical director John Morling urges Hong Kong to emulate World Cup surprise packages, wants coach Jorn Andersen to stay
- New man wants football to become a ‘more attractive’ profession and says everything ‘will look a lot better’ in five years
- He is also keen for private investment in youth because football is one of the few sports than can galvanise all of Hong Kong
John Morling says Hong Kong can gain inspiration from the small nations punching above their weight on the global football stage.
In the second part of an exclusive interview with the Post, the new technical director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) drew parallels between the ecosystem of the sport in this city, and that of Ireland, where he was formerly a player development manager.
Morling additionally disclosed the HKFA’s intention for football to become a “more attractive” profession over the next five years, and said he wants head coach Jorn Andersen to extend a contract that expires in June 2025.
The 50-year-old, who reports to CEO Joaquin Tam, worked from 2008 to 2012 in Ireland, where he managed the nation’s under-15, under-16 and under-17 teams.
Ireland, which boasts a population of roughly 5.1 million, have qualified for six major tournaments. Last year, the country’s under-17 and under-19s men’s teams, and the under-17 women’s team, reached the top 10 of Uefa’s European rankings.
“There are similarities between Hong Kong and Ireland,” Morling said. “Kitchee and Shamrock Rovers have dominated the leagues for a long time, with a few teams challenging behind.