In a recent press conference ahead of Indonesia’s match against Vietnam in the ASEAN Cup 2024, coach Shin Tae-yong expressed his concerns about the challenging match schedule and criticized the current tournament format. Indonesia faces a tough journey in the tournament, and Shin acknowledged the difficulties posed by the busy fixtures.
Indonesia played Myanmar away on December 9, then hosted Laos on December 12, and will now travel to Vietnam on December 13 to prepare for their game against Vietnam on December 15. Shin noted that this tight schedule has placed a strain on both the players and the coaching staff, adding that “the tight schedule and long journey present significant challenges for our team.”
Despite these obstacles, Shin Tae-yong remains focused on Indonesia’s goals for the tournament, even though the team is not fielding its strongest squad. He highlighted that many of the players in the current roster are under the age of 20, lacking international experience, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. “This tournament is a valuable experience for our young players to adapt and gain international exposure, preparing them for future competitions,” he said.
Indonesia’s recent form has been shaky, with a narrow 1-0 victory over Myanmar followed by a 3-3 draw against Laos, marking the first time in 12 years that they have failed to defeat Laos at home. Shin acknowledged that the team needs to improve in the coming matches, particularly against a strong Vietnamese squad, which has proven to be formidable in past tournaments. “Vietnam has the most experienced squad, with players who have extensive international experience. This will be a tough match, but it is an opportunity for our young players to learn and grow,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Shin remains optimistic about Indonesia’s future and emphasized that the tournament is an opportunity for the next generation of players to develop and build the foundation for future competitions. “Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and this tournament is an important part of that process,” he stated.
Shin also spoke warmly about his relationship with Vietnam’s coach, Kim Sang-sik, noting that they had worked together in the past and shared a strong bond. “Coach Kim and I have a close relationship, and I respect him a lot,” Shin said, highlighting their mutual respect as coaches and colleagues.
Shin concluded by reiterating his concern about the tournament format, suggesting that the AFF should reconsider the current structure. “I believe that the format should be changed when organizing matches in one country to improve the level of competition and the overall quality of the tournament,” he said. He further noted that Vietnam, with more rest and a more experienced squad, has an advantage, but Indonesia’s young players are ready to give their best in the match.
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