On the plus side, Westwood’s players are becoming accustomed to their new style. The 48-year-old has ripped up the playbook of former boss Jorn Andersen to introduce a nuanced, possession-focused formula. The Mauritius captain, Lindsay Rose, who is a former France under-21 international, said he had been surprised by the “level” of Westwood’s side and felt they could pursue “better targets”.
“I don’t feel I have to prove anything,” Westwood said. “I’m content with what my staff and I do. I’m happy with the spirit and momentum I knew we would gather.
“Results are neither here nor there, if it doesn’t go well, you get sacked or leave, then try to get something else.
“I always knew I would do a good job, I knew the players were of a good standard and there to be improved.
“I’m excited for the future, for how we can keep learning and growing. We are in a good place, we have to kick on and make ourselves serious contenders to qualify for the next couple of tournaments.”
Preparation for the EAFF qualifiers, where Hong Kong also face Chinese Taipei on December 14, ahead of a potential final on December 17, is complicated by AFC Champions League Two games for Lee Man and Eastern on December 4 and 5, respectively. Additionally, mainland-based players Yu Wai-lim, Sun Ming-him and Yue Tze-nam will be out of contract with their clubs.
“We will talk to the out-of-contract lads – they’ll all want to play, but they have to look after themselves,” said Westwood, who will choose an initial 30-man squad this week. “We will make the best decision for us and for them.
“I speak regularly to Chino [Eastern boss, Roberto Losada], Edgar [Cardoso, Kitchee head coach], Mr Ken [Ng Kin, Kitchee owner] and Jordi [Tarres, Kitchee technical director].
“We’re trying to assemble the strongest side to be successful, but we have to work together.
“I’ll be speaking to [club bosses] again, it’s easy to say [they will release players], but when it comes to letting players go, it becomes different.”
Luisser, meanwhile, has left to reunite with former Hong Kong boss Jorn Andersen at Yunnan Yukun.
“Wolfi has been great; it’s difficult when you’re an assistant who’s worked with someone else, but he’s been supportive,” Westwood said.
“He helped me understand the local players and I valued his opinion … I can’t speak highly enough about how he applied himself – he’s a great man and easy to talk to. I’m glad he’s going to do something that excites him; he deserves it.”
Asked if he would replace Luisser, Westwood said: “I will see what is allowed and take it from there. Until I sit down with Charles [Cheung Yim-yau, HKFA CEO] and Eric [Fok Kai-shan, chairman] you never know.”
https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3287306/westwood-has-nothing-prove-serious-contenders-hong-kong-pursue-major-ambitions