Discuss Naturalization, Shin Tae-yong Asks The Public To See Another Point Of View
JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, expressed his views on naturalization which recently stole the public's attention.
He said the community should provide support for the Indonesian national team, whoever the players are.
Shin Tae-yong further revealed that the Indonesian national team is currently in a good situation. The team's achievements also increased thanks to the presence of naturalized descendants.
Some of the descendants who currently defend the Indonesian national team are Jay Idzes, Jordi Amat, Justin Hubner, Rafael Struick, Thom Haye, Ivar Jenner, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Maarten Paes, and Calvin Verdok.
They became figures who helped the development of the Garuda Squad.
Behind the presence of naturalized players, there was also a tone of contribution. Not a few parties think that this will narrow the chances of local players.
However, Shin Tae-yong emphasized that this should not be debated. You see, descendants are able to improve the quality of the Indonesian national team's game.
"So, there are indeed those who say it (naturalization) is troubling local players. However, please don't get me wrong," said Shin Tae-yong in his statement quoted Friday, September 27, 2024.
"If we can move up to 50 FIFA, maybe Indonesian football will not be easily defeated," he said.
The South Korean tactician also asked the public not to question the descendants and locals.
The reason is, the decision he chose was based on PSSI's approval and this was done with the aim of making the Indonesian national team grow into a new force in Asia.
He also asked the public to see the positive side of the presence of descendants. You see, this also raises the performance and quality of local players.
"Please now look at it with a bigger point of view, not just the little one now."
"Especially if we can qualify for the World Cup and our football will get bigger. So, everyone will appreciate Pak Erick Thohir and can become the strongest football in Asia," he said.