The football world was taken by surprise this week as veteran English manager Harry Redknapp was appointed head coach of Jordan‘s national team for their crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This unexpected move marks Redknapp’s return to management after his departure from QPR last year, and Crickex brings you exclusive insights into what this means for Asian football.
Why Jordan Turned to Redknapp
Prince Ali Al Hussein, president of the Jordan Football Association, made the announcement with visible excitement: “We’ve secured a world-class manager whose pedigree at the highest levels of football is unquestionable. This appointment represents a quantum leap for Jordanian football as we approach decisive matches in our World Cup qualifying campaign.”
Football analyst Mark Thompson of Crickex explains: “Redknapp’s appointment is fascinating timing. Jordan currently sit third in Group B, just two points behind leaders Australia. With matches against Bangladesh and Australia coming up, they needed someone with Redknapp’s motivational skills and tactical flexibility.”
The Crucial Qualifying Scenario
Jordan’s upcoming fixtures present both opportunity and challenge:
- March 24: vs Bangladesh (Home)
- March 29: vs Australia (Away)
Currently, the Asian qualifying standings show:
- Australia – 15 points
- Jordan – 13 points
- Kyrgyzstan – 10 points
- Tajikistan – 4 points
- Bangladesh – 1 point
“Redknapp’s immediate task is clear,” says Thompson. “Six points from these two games would virtually guarantee progression to the next round. The Bangladesh match is must-win, while anything from the Australia game would be a bonus.”
Redknapp’s Track Record in Short-Term Roles
This isn’t Redknapp’s first short-term assignment. Last season, he served as an advisor to Derby County during their promotion push. His comments then reveal his approach: “If I can make one per cent difference, I’ll be delighted. Sometimes fresh eyes can spot what others miss after months of working together.”
Tactical Expectations for Jordan
Former Jordan manager Ray Wilkins, who led the team to the 2015 Asian Cup, shared his perspective exclusively with Crickex: “Harry will likely implement a 4-2-3-1 system, focusing on defensive solidity first. Jordan has pace on the wings and needs to exploit that against Bangladesh while staying compact against Australia.”
Key players to watch:
- Hamza Al-Dardour (striker)
- Amer Shafi (goalkeeper)
- Yaseen Al-Bakhit (winger)
The Bigger Picture for Asian Football
This appointment continues a trend of Middle Eastern nations turning to experienced European managers for crucial qualifying campaigns. With four direct World Cup spots available from Asia (plus a potential intercontinental playoff), the stakes have never been higher.
As Prince Ali noted: “This is about more than two matches. We’re building for the future of Jordanian football.” Whether Redknapp’s tenure extends beyond these qualifiers remains to be seen, but his impact could resonate throughout Asian football.
Crickex will continue to provide in-depth coverage of Jordan’s qualifying campaign and Redknapp’s unique approach to international management. What do you think about this surprising appointment? Can Redknapp work his magic in the Middle East? Share your thoughts below!
