PSSI Chairman's Ultimatum For The Indonesian National Team ADMITted By Shin Tae-yong As A Motivation

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, opened his voice about the ultimatum previously made by the PSSI General Chair (Ketum), Erick Thohir, regarding the team's performance.

The South Korean coach called the ultimatum a motivation at the right time.

After losing 0-4 to Japan on Friday, November 15, 2024, Erick Thohir had given a strong threat to coaches and players.

He asked the team to also believe in the projection made by PSSI, namely for the Indonesian national team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

However, against Japan, the team's performance was considered not optimal because the fighting power of the players was considered lacking.

This situation then made Erick Thohir vocal in encouraging the squad to perform even better.

Shin Tae-yong assessed that it seemed that it was enough to provide positive energy. The coach said that Erick Thohir's anxiety was expressed at the right time to spark enthusiasm.

"Maybe because Mr. Erick (Thohir) is worried about the Indonesian national team. So, he talks (throwing an ultimatum) like that."

"However, the time to say it's also good to motivate players," said Shin Tae-yong during a press conference after the match.

The coach emphasized that it was not only the ultimatum that had been made by the PSSI chairman which was a factor in the rise of the team.

He also mentioned that the players had shown their ability and determination to perform better after the last defeat.

"Not only that (ultimatum) we can win, but also the ability of the players. Until they evaluate themselves and the players unite. That's the main reason we win."

In the match against Saudi Arabia, the performance of the Indonesian national team improved. The fighting power of Garuda's squad has increased and shows the mentality of never giving up.

As a result, the Indonesian national team won with a score of 2-0 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, WIB night.

Two goals from the Red and White Team were scored by Marselino Ferdinand who also marked his first victory in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Thanks to these three points, the Garuda Squad's position rose to third place in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification standings with a total of six points.