Against Saudi Arabia, PSSI Chairman Doesn't Want To Speculate About Shin Tae-yong's Fate

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chairperson (Ketum), Erick Thohir, was disappointed with the defeat suffered by the Indonesian national team from Japan.

However, he realized that there were other matches in sight that Shin Tae-yong and the Garuda Squad had to face.

After fighting Japan, the Indonesian national team is waiting for the agenda to host Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta.

Looking at the match, Erick Thohir admitted that he did not want to speculate about Shin Tae-yong's fate even though he lost the match against Japan.

"I can't comment like that about the change (of coach) because we saw that after the game against Saudi Arabia there was only an evaluation," said Erick Thohir in a statement quoted on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Regarding the match against Saudi Arabia, Erick warned the Indonesian national team players to give their best.

Positive results are needed by the Indonesian national team against Saudi Arabia in order to maintain the opportunity to qualify for the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

"What I don't like is that we play not optimally, like in games that should win, but instead don't win."

"This is what I again challenged coaches, players, openly, I even said yesterday that I had to introspect each other."

"So, I don't want to make mistakes. I'm certainly working hard here. I'm always in a position as a leader who is looking for targets."

"Otherwise, yes, don't give me. That's what I encourage for everyone," said Erick Thohir.

The Indonesian national team currently occupies the position of caretaker of the Group C standings for the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification with a collection of three points.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, which packs six points, is in third place in the standings.

Victory is clearly needed by the Garuda Squad in the remaining matches. The reason is, in order to maintain hope of qualifying for the Fourth Round, Shin Tae-yong's team must at least secure the position of four of the group's final standings.