January 28 – Despite a 4-0 beating at the hands of Australia in the last 16 of the Asian Cup, Indonesia manager Shin Tae Yong insisted that the team’s performance was strong and better than the result indicated.
“We conceded an unlucky deflection early on – if we hadn’t conceded then the whole game could have changed. The complexion of the game was changed by the early goal. I am very happy with our team’s performance,” said Yong.
“I don’t think we lost in terms of performance. The players did well and followed my instructions very well. We lost because of the level of experience difference. Some day we will play a similar level against Australia.”
The manager was quick to thank the Football association of Indonesia (PSSI) for their support, but took the opportunity to criticise the Indonesian football league.
“The Indonesian football league should be stronger, so that the national team can get stronger. It is completely necessary.”
“If the players had regular matches in their own club teams, it would be better and we might be in a different position today.”
Despite the opposition’s stature and Group Stage record, Yong set out his side to put tangible pressure on the Aussies.
“We play football to win,” said Yon.
“I studied how to win against Australia not just show a good performance. We pressed up high to have more opportunities to score. However we didn’t finish well and conceded early which changed the pace of the game for the opposition. I think Australia used their experience against us to beat us.”
Yong guided South Korea to a historic victory over holders Germany in the 2018 World Cup as the highlight of his tenure in charge at his former side. Entering the knockout match, Yong was just 90 minutes away from potentially facing his former side.
“I think it was a dream to meet the Korean national team in the Quarter Final stage,” he said.
“I am still unsatisfied with our experience and performance level, we need to be better technically to compete with a team like that. If I can have the chance again to play against Korea while working in Indonesia, I would love it.”
Eyebrows raised in the direction of the Indonesia bench after Yong instructed defender Ramadhani to replace winger Sayuri, with his team trailing by two goals in the 75th minute. Fifteen minutes later, his side conceded two more goals despite the seemingly defensive change.
“After the first half, I didn’t change our tactics, but after 80 minutes I changed to a 5-3-2. The players did well and followed my instructions. We keep developing over the four games, but still have a lack of experience.”
“One of the reasons we keep progressing is the players did well and trusted me.”
Speaking of what comes next for the Indonesian team, Shin revealed his side’s ambition to cement their status as a leading South-East Asian team by reaching the world’s premier football competition.
“We want to go through the next World Cup qualifiers. Come March, we need a good result to get through the final qualification.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734901047labto1734901047ofdlr1734901047owedi1734901047sni@g1734901047niwe.1734901047yrrah1734901047