Newly-appointed Assistant Coach, Steve Kean, has immediately turned his attention to the AFC Champions League restart and A-League season.
The former Blackburn Rovers manager arrived in Melbourne earlier this week and joined Head Coach Grant Brebner in preparing the squad for its upcoming set of fixtures.
Victory’s next match is scheduled for November 24 in Doha, Qatar where the club will will recommence its Champions League campaign against Beijing Guoan.
Experience
“I have been coaching a long time and I will help by passing on my experience,” said Kean.
“My job first of all is to help the players and use my experience to help the staff.”
Kean has previously worked as an Assistant Coach at a number of clubs including Reading, Fulham and Real Sociedad.
Speaking after completing his first training session with the squad, Melbourne’s new Assistant Coach was encouraged by what he has seen so far.
“From what I have seen today in the practice match, we are making great strides to be ready, not only for the Champions League but also for the A-League,” he said.
New Assistant Coach Steve Kean has made it to Melbourne! #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/Gg98zXtCLr
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) November 11, 2020
Reconcile
In his new position at Victory, Kean will be reunited with Brebner and W-League Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins – who both played for Reading during Kean’s time with the Royals.
“I was at Reading Football Club as Academy Director and then I was First Team Coach, during Brebs’ time there as a player. So we go back a long way,” said Kean.
“It was great when he called me up. We had a long chat over the phone and it was an easy ‘yes’ when I knew the role he wanted me to play.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
Absolute day for it ☀️ #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/fc1OKaOn3S
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) November 9, 2020
Compete
Kean is no stranger to a new challenge, having spent a number of years in Asia coaching the Brunei National Team and DPMM FC in the Singapore Premier League.
“From my first impressions of the club, I’m very impressed by what we have,” said Kean.
“I was pretty blown away by the welcome I have received, not only for myself but for the new players too. We are going to be very competitive this season.”
