Hong Kong’s technical director John Morling believes the city can learn from the success of smaller nations in international football. Morling, who previously worked in player development in Ireland, sees similarities between the two countries’ football landscapes. In an exclusive interview with the Post, Morling outlined his vision for Hong Kong football, which includes making the profession more attractive and extending the contract of head coach Jorn Andersen, whose current deal expires in June 2025.
Morling emphasized the importance of developing local players while also bringing in talented individuals from overseas who qualify to represent Hong Kong. He pointed to the successes of Iceland, Croatia, and Qatar as examples of how smaller nations can punch above their weight on the global stage.
The HKFA has set a goal of qualifying for the 2034 FIFA World Cup finals, a target that Morling believes is achievable. He highlighted the need to balance local development with long-distance recruitment, noting that not all of Hong Kong’s seven million people are eligible to play for the national team due to stringent passport rules.
Morling places great value in carefully crafted game programs for young players. He recently sent the Hong Kong under-16 team to Spain for a tournament and arranged friendlies in Japan. Morling also expressed a desire to explore opportunities for more private investment in youth development, recognizing the marketability of grassroots programs and the potential to galvanize the entire city.
Morling and Andersen have formed a strong working relationship despite their differing preferences in office temperature. Morling praised Andersen’s passion and commitment to Hong Kong’s success. One of the HKFA’s goals is to improve the performance of the senior men’s representative team. Morling believes in adapting formations based on the strengths of the available players, rather than adhering to a rigid system.
Morling recognizes the importance of communication and transparency with his superiors. While his contract is only for two years, he hopes to stay with the HKFA for a longer period. He expressed optimism for the future of Hong Kong football, emphasizing the need for patience and investment in youth development.
