Ex-North Korea coach Jorn Andersen takes charge of Hong Kong team with eye on AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
- The 58-year-old takes over from Mixu Paatelainen after stints with K-League side Incheon, North Korea and several teams in Europe
- Hong Kong will be among 24 teams vying for 11 remaining qualifying spots for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China
Former North Korea coach Jorn Andersen has been given the job of taking Hong Kong football forward.
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) confirmed on Saturday the 58-year-old Norwegian’s appointment, taking over from Finland’s Mixu Paatelainen. Andersen’s first task is to prepare the squad for June’s qualifiers for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China.
“I’m honoured for the opportunity to lead the Hong Kong senior representative team,” Andersen said in a media release. “I hope to use my experience and tactical philosophy in building a strong and competitive team for upcoming international matches.”
Andersen played as a striker for Bundesliga teams Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburg, also playing professionally in Norway and Switzerland and has vast experience as a coach. In 2016 he was appointed national coach of North Korea before taking the mantle at K-League side Incheon United in 2018.
He officially started his duties as Hong Kong coach on Monday, December 13 and is now performing paperwork while in quarantine.
HKFA Chief Executive Officer Joaquin Tam said: “We extend a warm welcome to Jorn. With his football background in Europe and practical experience in Asia, we are confident that he would be able to inject new elements, help our players fully achieve their potential, as well as improve our quality and performance.