The Second Coming of Kewell

Wednesday May 9, 2007 04:08 PM

Matthew Hall

Harry Kewell is back and returning to his part-time job: human headline.

Internet bandwidth fattened during the week with the apparent "news" - and I use the term very loosely - that Roy Hodgson, the new manager of English club Fulham, intends to make Kewell his first signing in the next few weeks.

Kewell, the legend goes, is washed up and finished at Liverpool. So what better venue to progress your career than quaint Craven Cottage, a ramshackle riverside stadium in London in danger of hosting second division football next season?

The internet being what it is, a platform for unchecked and unsubstantiated rumour mongering, Kewell was packing his suitcase and driving down the M1 from Manchester (where he lives) to London quicker than it takes to read this paragraph.

The January transfer window is officially Silly Season, a time of wild speculation, wishful thinking, and wish-wash.

But a few phone calls confirmed Hodgson's hopes as little more than all of the above.

As we all know, Kewell has experienced an extremely difficult three years with injury.

Lowlights included tearing his adductor muscle in the 2005 Champions League final against Milan. Some Liverpool fans demonstrated their smarts by booing him from the pitch as he hobbled to the sideline.

He recovered sufficiently enough, sort of, to play for Australia at the World Cup in 2006.

Watching him train away from the rest of the squad at the Socceroos training camp near Eindhoven before the tournament, however, you would have been extremely optimistic to think he would later score the dramatic equalizer against Croatia that got Australia through to the knock-out rounds. Or maybe just a believer in fairy tales.

It was thanks to the extraordinary effort of Australian physiotherapist Les Gelis and fitness coach Anthony Crea, part of the Socceroos backroom staff at the World Cup, that he got back on the pitch before his body broke down again after the Croatia game.

Happy endings were a long time coming in this story. Kewell's woes resurfaced after the Asian Cup (where he played more often than the Liverpool coaching staff were comfortable with but that's another story) but was sensibly nursed, rather than rushed as is often the case, back to fitness by Liverpool.

Liverpool might have Les Gelis to thank for that as well. Impressed by his work with Kewell, Gelis is now employed as a consultant by Liverpool.

Gelis told me recently that Kewell is now officially 100 per cent injury free. Like, really.

Gelis also said that he'd never met an athlete as focused and committed as Harry. If Kewell was expecting to be one minute late for a rehab session, he would text Gelis to let him know.

Facts make a mockery of the speculation and idle chat that often accompany Kewell.

Which brings us back to his future at Liverpool.

Kewell's current contract expires at the end of this season. That means he can now talk to any other club about new contract offers.

Fulham is not one of them.

In fact, Liverpool are keen to retain Kewell and, according to people close to the club, a new two-year deal is on offer.

Liverpool, unsurprisingly considering recent history, would probably like to make that contract based on first-team appearances but with coach Rafael Benitez's rotation policy currently the norm at Anfield, the club is struggling to get any players to agree to deals structured that way.

But stand aside for the twist in this tale. You may have heard about an Italian club called Juventus. They won Serie A and the Champions League a few times. It's a club also dogged by recent controversy and is also home to Australian goalkeeper Jess Vanstratten.

It's one of the biggest clubs in the world and within the corridors of its Turin headquarters there is serious discussion about bringing Kewell to Italy.

Seriously.

The idea has developed so far that the club would even tie his contract to a Beckham-like game between Juventus and Sydney at some point in the very near future.

(And, sorry Sydney fans, but this is as close as he will get to the A-League in the immediate future.)

The 83,000 or so filled seats at Homebush did not go unnoticed around the world. World Cup success and A-League potential now sees Australia considered as a viable market, ripe for plucking by big international teams.

So the question might now not be whether Liverpool want to keep Kewell but whether Kewell wants to stay at Anfield.

Hmm. Imagine that.

A hunch suggests, however, that Kewell wants at least one full season at Liverpool, a stint where he can turn on the lights, carve up the pitch, and show detractors, critics, and the skeptical (that means some of you) what the real Harry is all about, as well as pay back those at the club who supported him during tough times.

He might even help Liverpool win the Premier League next season.

OK, OK, I admit. That's a fantasy too far.

COMMENTS

great news - and deserved

by Mel on January 05, 2008 at 04:10 PM

Hi
harry would do well to stay with liverpool however i don't think liverpool will ever win the prem league as long as S Gerard is at the club,don't get me wrong steve is a brill player but he is not a true team player.

by john on January 05, 2008 at 08:20 PM

Good blog Matthew. What a relief to finally (dare I say, appear) to get some sensible and actually informed comment on Harry's future at Liverpool. Personally, I think he needs to stay at Anfield 1 more season at least and show them and us what he can do. If he follows the money trail to Juve, I for one will feel that he cant bring it when it matters and is starting his retirement plan. As a scouser fan, I really hope he stays and delivers big time.

by Brando on January 05, 2008 at 08:24 PM

Juventus.....as if

by Campioni del Mondo on January 05, 2008 at 08:47 PM

Im a big Harry Kewell fan, but despite some solid performances this season, i sadly think he is a fair way past his best. If it wasnt for a series of disruptive injuries over the last fours years its scary to think how good he could have been. I dont think Fulham fans should get excited though. And im not sure if anyone in Italy would even know of Harry Kewell, espescially after he missed the World Cup Quarter Final. Anyway, good luck Harry!

by Andrew on January 05, 2008 at 09:14 PM

I live in the UK and agree 100% with your comments. Kewell comes in for a lot of stick. Unfortunately here in the UK there is little respect for Kewell's quality, because he performed so well as a teenager and has never lived up to that potential since. Most Liverpool fans are disappointed with his performance, but the worst comments have come from the UK media, who make very vitriolic statements regarding his performances bordering on the personal (possibly because of his previous bust-up with Gary Linnekar). However, in reality he has had similar injury problems to Michael Owen, who has not had to put up with the same comments.

On a seperate point, does anybody know why Richard Garcia (Hull) is never considered for the Australia team? He is a regular first team footballer and by all reports has been performing very well. Last year with Colchester he did very well and he is a striker / winger, a position we need players. From what I can tell he is doing better than a player like Brett Holman, who is a regular Socceroo.

Garcia always had a lot of promise but fell off the radar when he did his knee. Rather than speculate, I'll actually make some calls and get an update. MH

by Sidhartha Dev on January 05, 2008 at 10:24 PM

The guy is pure class, he improves with every game. Anyone that has ever played the game knows you need serious game time so he is progressing quite nicely thank you very much. C'mon when he plays for the socceroos and gets the ball he has that special something vision, touch whatever it is it's pure class. Liverpool would be fools to let him go at this stage.

by stan on January 05, 2008 at 10:34 PM

The Liverpool fans hate Harry Kewell, he might as well leave on the bosman and sign for Everton and play with Timmy Cahill. Now that would be a headline

by Jason Finlay on January 06, 2008 at 01:48 AM

The critics can say what they want but lets be honest when harry is fit there aren't many around that give as good service down the Left hand side as Kewell ,so whether or not the fans don't like him Rafa loves him and he's going no werelets just hope he can stay fit to prove what Rafa knows to the fans .

by mitch Glew on January 06, 2008 at 06:12 AM

Harry should give Rafa a year for free and the ask for huge bucks for year 2. He owes Rafa one, then he deserves to get paid big time from the semi faithful Liverpool Club.

by Richard on January 06, 2008 at 08:52 AM

Previously Brian Brownstein(December 18, 2007 8:43 AM) published an article which was a joke, he is better off writing about rugby league and the future of Willy what's his name.
Hats of to Matthew Hall who has done his homework.
Harry Kewell should be noted for being one of Australia's greatest athletes not only for his work on the pitch but also for his determination and commitment to the game off the pitch.

by Giovanni Coppola on January 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM

Hi Matthew, Speaking of Harry Kewell, i read in your section today that Juventus could be on its way to Sydney & Harry Kewell could be wearing a Juventus shirt. Mate, I just can never see this happening. Firstly, a top Italian Club in Juventus would never come to Australia & secondly there is no way Harry Kewell would wear a Juventus Shirt. This would be the biggest shock in the world of football if it does happen. Also, it would be great for Soccer in Australia to host a top club from Italy instead of these Daffy Duck like clubs in L.A Galaxy. Bring on Juventus, this would really give us an idea how the A-league clubs are going. I look forward to any updates you have regarding this. All the best for 2008.

There is a precedent and if Man United can do it in 1999, why not? It is all about the $$$. Milan played two games in Australia in 1993. A guy called Fabio Capello was coach of Milan. http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/Socceroo/1993B.html. MH

by Richard on January 06, 2008 at 09:57 AM

Harry is a class player and i like his sytle of play. As a Liverpool fan i believe that he has more to give and will hopefully deliver as the season progresses. Liverpool have stuck with Harry cos he obviously has something that the manager and coaching staff can see. I want him to stay at Liverpool and prove his critics wrong on the pitch where it counts.

by Amarjit on January 06, 2008 at 10:48 AM

Hi A few things here:-
1) John what on earth are you talking about? "Stevie G not a Team player???". Do you even watch Football you clown? How many times has he bailed us out??
2) Matthew Hall, You stated that "Some liverpool fans demonstrated their "Smart" by booing Kewell in the 2005 CL Final in Istanbul against AC Milan? Do you not think we had every right to do so? Our 1st European Cup (not UEFA) final since 1984/85, Harry was not fit in anyway which he demonstrated 3 maybe 4 appearances before the Final! We are knowledgable supporters from that part of the world (im from Liverpool incase you hadn`t noticed) and do not appreciate players letting the side down when they know they are not fit, but on the other side, Rafa also has to accept some off the blame for playing him on that night.
3) I like HArry and always have done but lets face it, he wont help us win the league, Jermaine Pennant was in fine form before his injury and is now back and will start before Harry, i think it would be a good move for Harry to go to Italy, i feel fr his 3 years of injurys but the fans will always be on his back unless we see the HArry we all know and love, and being 100% honest i dont think we ever will in the English Prem.

Why would you boo your own player who has to be substituted early on in a game becuse he has ripped his adductor from the bone??? Seriously? MH

by Andy on January 06, 2008 at 11:40 AM

being a juventus fan, i don't mind the prospect of him playing for juve. actually that'd be GREAT news!!

by louis on January 06, 2008 at 12:10 PM

kewell has had one good season in his career which was when he was a leeds player. to suggest he has outgrown liverpool is a joke. and not a very funny one.

by david on January 06, 2008 at 12:12 PM

Interesting and seemingly informed piece, for a change, on Harry Kewell. What a shame injury has blighted this very gifted player, though it did bring his head down from the clouds. Let's hope for Australia's sake he remains injury free and returns to his very best, preferably with Liverpool. I'd love to see Harry star in World Cup qualifiers and then the World Cup. Same for Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka. If only Guus could be enticed back lol.

by Peter on January 06, 2008 at 12:43 PM

I am a Liverpool fan of 40 years.... get rid of him !

by Steven on January 06, 2008 at 03:14 PM

I have been wondering the same thing about Richard Garcia. Maybe injuries at the wrong time have costed him a spot? Matt?

About Harry - he hasn't played very many games for Liverpool, and playing for Australia didn't help the cause, so Liverpool fans in England probably have a good excuse for getting stuck into him. They can all take a hike. Hope he shows 'em.

I was hoping Lucas Neill would join Liverpool, perhaps Harry Kewell will join him at West Ham United instead?

GO THE SOCCEROOS!!

by TN on January 06, 2008 at 04:23 PM

I am not surprised Juve are considering Harry.

He is probably the only current Socceroo player that the big clubs in Europe would consider.

by Brad on January 06, 2008 at 06:18 PM

Kewell's best days were at Leeds, he was absolutely awesome and could skin anyone, now he has lost a few yards in pace and will never be the same player again, he deserves respect for how good he was but at the same time everyone has to understand that his best days are behind him, he will never be that player again.

by nick on January 06, 2008 at 09:15 PM

Being an Australian and supporting an Italian club in Juventus may seem weird, but id sooooo love to see Harry Kewell play for Juventus. I Been searching on the net all day, where did u find this information from ???? An Aussie at Juventus would be a dream come true for me !!!

You read it here first. MH

by Karen Walters on January 07, 2008 at 01:36 AM

Jason Findlay has it all wrong. Liverpool fans don't hate Harry Kewell. Witness the volume his name is sung at when he appears off the bench, such as in recent CL matches on SBS. Kewell's time at Liverpool has been frustrating for both player and fans - he was booed off in the CL Final of 2005 - but since then his commitment to win his place back and "win" a new LFC contract has been evident to all and his value to the first team is widely recognised.

by burt landcrusier on January 07, 2008 at 01:51 AM

i hope your source is correct parrot, it would be great to see harry fully fit... playing wherever, though i suspect he will stay loyal

My source is very correct. I don't write rumours. But, like you, I think Kewell will stay at Liverpool. MH

by Michael on January 07, 2008 at 03:08 AM

The great pity is that H now gets the ball and his first move is to slow down and then tries to accelerate past the defender. He just doesn't have that speed anymore. He takes too long on the ball and loses it too often. That said, the guy's still got something special about him, mostly that left foot. He can cross and shoot as well as anyone. When he was at Leeds, though, wow, what an aewsome sight in full flight.

He'd do fine in the Serie A because the pace would suit him more. I still think Rafa's been playing him to shop him and that he'll be out of there soon enough so Babel can take his place. They didn't spend that kind of money on Babel for him to back up H. Roy Hodgson's lifted the bid to 2.5 mill quid. This is close to what Liverpool will take, I think. Rafa needs money to buy a decent defender and the Americans won't give him anymore.

by JohnnyH on January 07, 2008 at 05:59 AM

I consider Kewell to be the biggest waste of talent ever produced in this country.

I will hold that opinion until he shuts his big mouth and proves me and the other detractors wrong by producing the goods on the pitch

Please seek medical advice. MH

by Sahara on January 07, 2008 at 07:37 AM

I dont know think Harry can improve any more than what i see so far,but like Harry to say 2 more year at Anfield he can win game and give the team something extra. I guess he need more agressive and call more of the ball as Gerard

by jerry on January 07, 2008 at 07:54 AM

Matthew.. Your artcile was a bit confusing regarding the Harry Kewell-Juventus part.
Do Juventus want Harry Kewell to play for them for just that promotianal game or are they interested in signing him for a season ? Seem's everyone on the blog think u said that Juventus want him full-time but you only mentioned Juventus want him for that Sydney FC Game. Thanks in Advance mate.

Here's a clue. No club would let their player turn out for another club, purely for a commercial purpose. MH

by Ryan O'Neil on January 07, 2008 at 08:58 AM

Yeah, right. Doubt Liverpool will get more than they have from Harry over the past years he's. 7 or so really good games, as many ok games and be on the injury list for the remainder.

Worked well for him at Leeds, and just as well at Liverpool. Shame he has so much talent.

by Steve T on January 07, 2008 at 09:02 AM

kewell for the cottage. please please please let it be true dammit!

by Domer on January 07, 2008 at 09:46 AM

The Kop considers itself to be intelligent and knowledgeable. They have treated Harry Kewell with contempt, questioning his quality and ticker, his integrity and spirit. That's ignorant and it's a disgrace. Harry Kewell deserves more respect. He cant perform football magic when he's off the pitch, or when he's on the pitch injured. Premier League clubs have a lot to learn about rehab and strength training for their players. Go to Everton Harry. Moyes knows the value of Australians.

by Tim on January 07, 2008 at 09:50 AM

Obviously that guy below (Jason Finlay) has no idea. And probably never watches any Liverpool games. Liverpool's (bar the last 2 weeks) resurgent form came directly with the return to form of Harry Kewell, offering that extra class on the left wing. Obviously Jason never watches the Liverpool games to hear them singing Harry's song... and i'll bet a million bucks Jason didn't see the 05/06 FA Cup semi vs Chelsea when Harry was LFC.tv man of the match and played like like every fan knows he can play. So Jason, the Liverpool fans DO like Harry - they just want to see him injury-free. and ps Matthew Hall, thanks so much for your Football coverage in the Herald. I now choose the Herald over the Tele on a sunday because of the Premier League info and 'The parrot' section... after living in England for 3 years, i miss the Premiership so much, but you give me a great update all the time, so thanks a lot. Go the Reds, and all the best Harry

by Aaron Hooper on January 07, 2008 at 10:41 AM

John, you MUST be joking, Gerrard is not a true team player?? Clearly you are not a Liverpool fan... Gerrard is the heart and soul of the current Liverpool team.... Kewell should go. He is an okay player but Liverpool have much better talent.

by Mel11 on January 07, 2008 at 01:16 PM

If this is Benitez'a last season at Liverpool, I think Harry can start looking for a new club.

After Liverpool's draw in the FA Cup this week, the only thing that can save Benitez is winning the Champion's League.

by Michael on January 07, 2008 at 01:30 PM

I guess Sahara, Blog 07/01/08 @ 7:37am, didnt watch the WC qualifier against Uruguay in '05 when Harry ripped them apart and even in the '01 qual over there when he was the only one that showed up. Or the England game, when he torn them to shreds in their own backyard. Or back in '97 when Harry got us to the edge of the WC Finals, when messers Neil, Cahill etc weren't even on the scene.

Thats just a selectio of his games for Australia, not to mention his MOM performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup Semi in '06, and then the years at Leeds when he helped them get to the Champs League Semi's.

A fit and firing Harry is a thing of beauty for Australia and the Reds!!!

by Paul on January 07, 2008 at 01:58 PM

Kewell should leave and join Man City. I tipped them to make it in the top 4 at the end of the season which means more exposure to Champions League football for our Harry.

by Cesc on January 07, 2008 at 02:11 PM

Sadly having seen him recently I think his best is behind him. Whilst at Leeds he could take on any defender but now he seems to have lost pace and just doesn't have that ability to get round them. First touch lets him down a bit too. Hope time proves me wrong and he finds that old form. Couldn't really see Juve being interested in him.

by Robert on January 07, 2008 at 02:42 PM

Sahara, you would not have a clue
You must be watching the tennis.

by Giovanni on January 07, 2008 at 02:58 PM

He's becoming the Mark Philippoussis of soccer

by Kosta on January 07, 2008 at 03:03 PM

harry kewell to juve?? y would a team of up n comin italian stars with the money to buy almost any1 except mayb kaka want an injury ridden 31 year old? not 2 mention they dnt need kewell to replace any1 in the midfield they hav this kid calld giovinco n any1 hoo noes anything about european football (excluding epl) woudl no that he'd put kewell on show with one adductor muscle missing :)

Do they teach you how to spell at school? MH

by rob on January 07, 2008 at 06:19 PM

Matthew, You need to get with reality. Juventus will not play Sydney FC & Harry Kewell will not be playing for Juventus. You should do some more research before you print this garbage. The biggest signing that will happen in 2008 will be AC Milan signing former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and his star striker at Chelsea Didier Drogba. This will happen after June 2008. Mark my words.

by Lupco Klimovski on January 07, 2008 at 06:58 PM

Been a Liverpool fan for a longtime and when we bought Kewell i thought wow!!. Sadly his injuries have blighted his career with us. Its great he has overcome those injuries AND Rafa has put in belief in him by waiting for him. If we have a fit Kewell finally it means great news for Liverpool AND if the rumour of 2 year deal being offerred even better. Harry from all accounts is a boyhood Liverpool fan so if wants to stay and Liverpool wants him to stay i see no problem even if Juve come in for him. I would imagine Harry would think he owes the club something for sticking with him through all his injury problems.

by Nig on January 07, 2008 at 09:46 PM

With the UK press though, even if Kewell does play well, they'll spin it (as I've heard them do before) as him playing for a new contract or playing for a big money move. But what can you do? As long as he ignores all that and plays as well as we all hope he can, he'll be great.

And Richard, he doesn't "owe" Liverpool anything. They did the medical on him before they bought him, their doctors have largely looked after him (and with mixed success). They're the ones that brought him back for the UCL final, possibly prematurely.

by James on January 07, 2008 at 10:23 PM

Harry has one more big contract in Europe before he hopefully returns to the A-League as a marque player for Sydney FC.

What are the chances of that happening Parrot?

There's a lot of water to go under the bridge before then, I think. MH

by James Cook on January 07, 2008 at 10:32 PM

I'd be very surprised if they let him go given the great lengths they've gone to to get him fit again. Also, if they wanted to get rid of him then why is rafa including him in the side so often? If he wanted to let him go he would not be starting him so often.

IMHO he's still one if the best left wingers in the prem. Sure, he will probably never rediscover the form from his "leeds days", but he's shown he can still beat players and provide good crossing and passes. Give him some time and he will more than likly start scoring goals again too.

BTW, I live in the UK and the Kewell issue is not as bigger deal as you're making it out to be, sure it might have come up on a few websites but it's not in any of the newspapers or anything like that. I think most people have forgotton how good Kewell was, it was so long ago that he was fit for a long period of time.

by Lachlan on January 08, 2008 at 12:38 AM

This may seem a strange question, but why does he live in Manchester??

It's nicer than Liverpool? MH

by Matt on January 08, 2008 at 01:35 AM

Good Blog- I'm currently enjoying your book "The Away Game"- a good read for any of you football fans curious about Australia's Elite Footballers

by Mike on January 08, 2008 at 02:14 AM

Geez... ive just read on the internet that Harry Kewell said this week that he would like to play in Italy or Spain before he retires. (It's in today's Daily Telegraph) Maybe Mathew Hall knows something we dont... When i read this i thought to myself that no way would Harry Kewell want to play in Italy or Spain and ive just been proven wrong. Tell us where you got the info from Mathew, as your article seems more truthful now. Has Juventus actually asked Liverpool about Kewell ? You need to fill us in Mr Hall.

by Damien on January 08, 2008 at 03:38 AM

Harry has been unfairly given stick by liverpool fans, to see his quality you just need to watch the Liverpool v Marseie champions league match. Kuyt and Torres love him, who wouldn't when you get crosses like that!!!

Don't get me wrong I would love to see him playing at Everton, but as much I hate to say it he belongs at Liverpool

by Matt Jones on January 12, 2008 at 08:47 AM

SAHARA,

your a twat...ur post is a complete waste of time..imgaine yourself to be an elite athlete...and your body breaks down. All you ever wanted was to the best for your team,supporters..and mainly yourself." A complete waste of time" you say.

Ok if it was a complete waste of time..did you remeber the goal he scored against Olympiakos.. the road to Istanbul. Mate he has more detemination to get himself some dignity let one pay back is dues to LFC. Give the guys a break. I was an athlete at elite level..due to shattering my vertibre's i had to quit. So Sahara...if you anything about compassion ans sport. I will listen to your comments. Until then..YOUR A TWAT SAHARA..!!!

by Kevin on January 12, 2008 at 08:53 PM

To those of you who say Juventus would never come to Australia, just remember that Juventus played the Socceroos at the MCG back in the 80's. Paulo Rossi played in that game. I know because I was on the pitch as a photographer for the game. Gosh, I'm showing my age.

by John on January 13, 2008 at 12:08 AM

The honourable thing for Harry to do would be to go back to Leeds and play pro-bono. dont forget he was part of the firesale that sent them broke.
The least he (and Viduka, and Ferdinand, and others) could do is go back and help the club get back into the top flight

by Davey on January 13, 2008 at 12:22 PM

I heard ages ago that Kewell would want to play until the 2014 WC (36 that year). Or it was one of those SBS football analysts who said he could (Playing in the A-League by then of course, unless he retires).

by Ryan Morgan on January 14, 2008 at 01:54 AM

Davey,

As a Leeds fan I'm desperate to have Harry back for years, but we all know it will never work out...shame for Leeds, shame for Harry. They fit each other so well don't they see that?

Forget about Liverpool it's an arrogant club with fickle fans IMO. Harry joined them fully fit, had a brilliant 1/2 season then got injured(not that serious at the beginning), then he had to go on playing with that injury just because Liverpool were out of midfielder at that time! That's how his injury nightmare began. Liverpool MADE harry injury-prone and now it's their fans blamed the player non-stop. What Liverpool fans repaid him for being 100% committed at the risk of ruining his own career? Calling him sick note? Booing him at his hardest time? My impression of KOPS really went bad since then. Any KOP denying this, visit youtube and you will see a video of how liverpool fans abused Harry on his face(his wife Sheree was present too. She hit back but Harry NEVER said anything wrong about KOPS) which is a disgrace.

Move, Harry! Your spirit is too good for scousers. And thank you Matthew for letting us know what's really happening there.

by NY on February 25, 2008 at 09:47 PM

The Sun-Herald

Matthew Hall

The Second Coming of Kewell

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