The J.League announced that Harry Kewell, a former Australia and Leeds United player, has been appointed as the new manager of the Yokohama F Marinos.
The 45-year old replaces Kevin Muscat who left the team at the end the season, after Marinos finished second behind Vissel in the title race.
Kewell stated in a press release that she was “incredibly proud and thrilled” to be representing the Yokohama F Marinos.
“I want to thank the club that they have put their trust in my ability to lead the team. The team has a lot to do, and I’m eager to get on the training field to begin working with the players.
We will all work together to achieve success for the club. “The hard work starts now.”
Kewell is the third Australian coach to be appointed in the same club in a short period of time, after Ange Postecoglou (and Muscat).
Postecoglou, who won the J.League with his club in 2019, left to join Celtic in Scotland. Muscat also won the domestic title in 2022.
Muscat has been named head coach of Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port.
Kewell has previously managed Crawley Town and Oldham Athletic. He spent the last 18-months as an assistant coach with Celtic.
Marinos’ first competitive match as a coach is likely to be in the last-16 of the Asian Champions League in February, when he will face Thailand’s Bangkok United.
The new J.League season is scheduled to begin on February 23.