Alfred Riedl: A Global Journey in Football Management
Alfred Riedl has established himself as a versatile figure in international football, carving out a career defined by his willingness to take on challenges across diverse continents. From the stadiums of Morocco and Egypt to the competitive landscapes of Southeast Asia, Riedl's managerial journey reflects a deep commitment to developing national teams and club sides in emerging football markets.
Key Facts
- Global Reach: Coached in Morocco, Egypt, Kuwait, Austria, Liechtenstein, Palestine, Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia.
- Vietnam Milestone: Led Vietnam to their first-ever AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal in 2007.
- Indonesian Tenure: Served three separate stints as the head coach of the Indonesia national team.
- Tournament Success: Guided Indonesia to the AFF Suzuki Cup finals in both 2010 and 2016.
Early Managerial Career and International Ventures
Riedl's early coaching career saw him managing a variety of club teams and national squads. He began his tenure with national teams in Austria (1990–92) and later moved to Liechtenstein (1997–98) and Palestine (2004–05). His club experience is equally diverse, having managed Olympique Khouribga in Morocco (1993–94), Al-Zamalek in Egypt (1994–95), and Al Salmiya in Kuwait (2001–03).
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Impact in Vietnam and Laos
One of Riedl's most significant achievements occurred during his multiple stints with the Vietnam national team (1998–2001, 2003–04, 2005–07). During the 2007 AFC Asian Cup—a premier continental competition—he led Vietnam to a historic 2–0 victory over the UAE, propelling the team to the quarterfinals for the first time in the nation's history.
Despite this success, his tenure ended in late 2007 following a disappointing performance at the 2007 SEA Games, leading to his replacement by Henrique Calisto. Riedl briefly returned to Vietnam in October 2008 to coach the club side Hải Phòng, though he was dismissed after three matches. He subsequently moved to Laos, signing a two-year contract as head coach on July 9, 2009.
The Indonesian Chapters
Riedl's relationship with Indonesian football was characterized by recurring appointments and high-stakes tournaments. He was first named coach of Indonesia's national and under-23 sides on May 4, 2010. He successfully led the team to the 2010 AFF Suzuki Final, though they ultimately lost to Malaysia with an aggregate score of 4–2.
His first term ended abruptly on July 13, 2011, due to a contract dispute stemming from a political power struggle within the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia), resulting in his replacement by Wim Rijsbergen.
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Return and Final Stints
After serving as a technical director in Laos and heading youth development at the Belgian club Visé, Riedl returned to the Indonesia national team in December 2013 on a three-year contract. This period ended by mutual consent in late 2014 after the team failed to reach the knockout stages of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup. He briefly joined PSM Makassar in early 2015 but resigned in April before the league season commenced.
Riedl's final chapter with Indonesia began in 2016 under a one-year contract. He once again guided the national team to the finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup. Following a 3–2 aggregate loss to Thailand in the finals, the PSSI opted not to renew his contract.
Career Summary Table
| Team/Organization | Role | Period/Year | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam National Team | Head Coach | 1998–2007 (Multiple) | First AFC Asian Cup Quarterfinal (2007) |
| Indonesia National Team | Head Coach | 2010–2011 | AFF Suzuki Cup Finalist |
| Laos National Team | Head Coach | 2009–2010 | Two-year contract |
| Indonesia National Team | Head Coach | 2013–2014 | Mutual contract termination |
| Indonesia National Team | Head Coach | 2016 | AFF Suzuki Cup Finalist |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Alfred Riedl's greatest achievement with Vietnam?
Riedl led the Vietnam national team to the quarterfinals of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in the country's history, including a notable 2–0 win over the UAE.
How many times did Riedl coach the Indonesia national team?
Riedl served as the head coach of the Indonesia national team on three separate occasions: starting in 2010, returning in 2013, and finally in 2016.
Why did Riedl leave Indonesia in 2011?
He lost his position on July 13, 2011, due to a contract dispute that arose during a publicized political power struggle within the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
Which clubs did Riedl manage outside of national teams?
Riedl managed Olympique Khouribga (Morocco), Al-Zamalek (Egypt), Al Salmiya (Kuwait), Hải Phòng (Vietnam), and PSM Makassar (Indonesia), and worked in youth development at Visé (Belgium).
What were the results of Riedl's AFF Suzuki Cup finals appearances?
Riedl led Indonesia to the finals twice; in 2010, they lost to Malaysia (4–2 aggregate), and in 2016, they lost to Thailand (3–2 aggregate).