Indonesian National Team Brings Physiotherapist Choi Ju-young to Get the Most Out of the 2023 Asian Cup
JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team has a new figure in the coaching ranks since the training camp in preparation for the 2023 Asian Cup. Choi Ju-young is trusted as the physiotherapist for the Garuda Squad.
Ju-young has joined the training camp in Turkey since December 20 2023. He was recruited by Shin Tae-yong to maintain the condition of the players so they can be optimal when competing in the 2023 Asian Cup.
"Some of the players are not in the best condition. Some still have minor injuries. I tried to arrange their treatment. Now they (Indonesian players) are in better condition and ready to compete in the Asian Cup," said Ju-young.
Ju-young's decision to help the Indonesian National Team could not be separated from Shin Tae-yong's wishes. The coach from South Korea needs an experienced physiotherapist to maximize the players' potential.
Moreover, the 2023 Asian Cup has a busy schedule and the Indonesian National Team faces tough opponents. This condition is certainly prone to fatigue and injury.
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"He (Shin Tae-yong) wanted me to work together to help Indonesia in the Asian Cup. That's why I came here," said Ju-young.
"The Indonesian national team fought hard and welcomed me well. I am happy with that," the 71 year old man said.
Shin Tae-yong and Choi Ju-young worked together for South Korea U-20 at the 2017 U-20 World Cup.
Before joining the Indonesian national team, Ju-young was Park Hang-seo's confidant when he was still coaching Vietnam. The two people collaborated from 2019 to 2021.
However, after Hang-seo no longer served as Vietnam coach, Ju-young chose to return to his home country, South Korea.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Asian Cup will be held in Qatar on January 12-February 10 2024. The Indonesian national team is in Group D with Iraq, Vietnam and Japan.
The Indonesian national team will play its first match in the 2023 Asian Cup against Iraq on January 15, 2024.
Before appearing in the 2023 Asian Cup, the Indonesian national team had three trials, namely losing against Libya twice with scores of 0-4 and 1-2 and losing to Iran 0-5.