Ashley Westwood Opens Up on Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Kerala Blasters Journey

New Kerala Blasters head coach Ashley Westwood has reflected on his unusual coaching journey, describing his experiences in Afghanistan and Hong Kong as some of the most important moments of his career.

Before returning to India with Kerala Blasters, Westwood spent time managing both the Afghanistan and Hong Kong national teams. The former Manchester United academy graduate admitted that many people were shocked when he decided to take the Afghanistan job because of the dangers involved.

Westwood said even his own family questioned the decision, but he believed he had nothing to lose and wanted to challenge himself in one of football’s toughest environments. He explained that managing Afghanistan was not only about coaching, but also about organizing players, travel, logistics and improving the entire structure around the team.

Despite a difficult start, including an 8-1 defeat to Qatar in his first match, Westwood managed to transform Afghanistan’s performances. Within months, the team had earned a World Cup qualifying draw against Qatar, defeated India away from home for the first time in their history, and came close to progressing to the next round of qualification.

Westwood later moved to Hong Kong, where he again inherited a struggling team. Hong Kong had gone nine matches without a win before he arrived, but he quickly guided them to a seven-game winning run and improved their FIFA ranking. He admitted, however, that the political side of football in Hong Kong made the job difficult.

Now back in India, Westwood has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Kerala Blasters for the remainder of the season. It marks a return to a country where he previously enjoyed major success with Bengaluru, winning two league titles and a Federation Cup.

Westwood said he still dreams of reaching the top level of football, but believes there is no perfect route in management. According to him, every experience teaches something new, and he is willing to take opportunities in different countries rather than follow a traditional path.

Kerala Blasters fans will now hope that Westwood can bring that same ability to rebuild struggling teams and create success once again in Indian football.