Indra Sjafri Does Not Control The Map Of The U-19 Philippine Power

JAKARTA - The U-19 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri, admitted that he did not have much control over the map of the strength of the U-19 Philippines ahead of the inaugural Group A match in the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup.

The U-19 Indonesian national team will face the U-19 Philippines on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 19.30 WIB at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya.

Indra Sjafri admitted that he did not have much information about the opponent ahead of the meeting.

"I'm frankly, I'm honest, I don't know exactly what the U-19 Philippines players really are," said Indra Sjafri in a statement before the match, quoted on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

The 61-year-old coach openly said that his party only received two videos of the Philippines U-19 match without any specific data.

"Some players do need to be wary of quality. However, specifically I don't have any data on them at all because they rarely play on television," he said.

Despite the lack of information from the opposing team, Indra Sjafri remains optimistic that the Garuda Muda Squad will be able to get important points in their first match. He emphasized the importance of this mentality.

"Optimistic is an order. Optimistic is belief and I always teach. If the coach is not optimistic, what about the player? Optimistic is intention, intention, right? True or not? If you are not optimistic, God is angry," said Indra Sjafri.

Furthermore, Indra explained that the most important thing is to focus on preparing a strategy for the team itself. Facing the U-19 Philippines, Indra Sjafri has neatly drawn up strategies in every stage of the tournament, including the group stage.

"So, I told you earlier, we have a game plan and tactics. In the tournament, we have a strategy. What should be qualifying in the group, what will be in the semifinals, and what kind of finals," he said.

"Therefore, the first match against the Philippines U-19, I have spoken to all players to be really ready and focused on being able to take points."

"In group A there are four (teams), playing three (matches), the three must win if they want to qualify directly, not from the best (ranked) three," said the coach.

Indra also ensured that all the players were fit and ready to fight. He also invited supporters to enjoy the match in the inaugural match of the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup group.

"Fit is all (players) and can be seen for yourself, not a single player is injured. They are in top form. Enjoy the match later," he said.