Asian Cup clash in India could shape Hong Kong future as Roberto Losada continues audition
City team are missing a host of players for dead-rubber match in Kochi, with neither team able to reach next year’s finals in Saudi Arabia
At first glance there is very little resting on Hong Kong’s Asian Cup qualifier in India on Tuesday, but the dead-rubber contest could potentially shape the next two years for the city team.
An assured performance in steamy Kochi would strengthen interim boss Roberto Losada’s case to be chosen ahead of more than 300 rivals for the permanent head coach post.
After what is expected to be the final stage of his very public audition for the role, Losada will outline a 24-month plan to his Football Association of Hong Kong, China bosses, who would like to appoint someone in time for the June Fifa window.
“[The plan] is not about climbing rankings, it’s about the very unique situation we’re in at the moment,” Losada said. “Some players are getting old, and we don’t have many who will be naturalised in the next few years, so we have to rely on locals.
“The advantage I have is that I know not only the Hong Kong league, but players who were with me from 14 and are now playing in mainland China. I know the names of the players coming through, and we have good scouting of youngsters with Hong Kong passports playing overseas.
“I have the information, and I have an idea what we need to do to have young players ready for the [2030] World Cup qualifiers [likely to begin in October next year]. Let’s see if the plan is good for the Hong Kong FA.”