Shin Tae-yong Officially Fired by PSSI, Here is His Track Record and Achievements with the Indonesian National Team

JAKARTA - Shocking news came from Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). Shin Tae-yong, the South Korean coach who has handled the Indonesian National Team for the past five years, has been officially fired from his position. This decision was announced by PSSI in a press conference on Monday, January 6, 2025.

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir stated that this decision was taken as part of a major evaluation of the national team's performance at various levels. "We would like to thank Shin Tae-yong for his dedication so far. However, PSSI has decided to seek a new direction in developing national football," he said.

Erick himself promised that on January 11, the candidate to replace STY in the Indonesian national team will come to Jakarta. Even on January 12, the media can conduct interviews and Q&A with the new coach.

Shin Tae-yong's Early Career in Indonesia

Shin Tae-yong was appointed as the coach of the Indonesian National Team at the end of 2019. The former coach of the South Korean National Team at the 2018 World Cup brings great hopes to revolutionize Indonesian football. He made his debut coaching the senior national team in a friendly match against Oman in May 2021, which ended in a 1-3 defeat.

His first win with the Indonesian national team came when he defeated Taiwan 2-1 in the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers in October 2021. Shin has also been active in coaching at all levels of the national team, including U-19, U-20, and U-23, with a total of 53 matches at various levels.

Shin Tae-yong's Achievements with the Indonesian National Team

Despite experiencing ups and downs in performance, Shin Tae-yong has managed to record a number of proud achievements, both at the senior and junior levels:

1. 2020 AFF Cup Runner-up

The Indonesian national team appeared as runner-up under Shin's tutelage, showing an aggressive game despite losing to Thailand in the final.

2. 2021 SEA Games Bronze Medal

The U-23 national team won a bronze medal after defeating Malaysia in the third place match.

3. 2023 AFF U-23 Cup Runner-up

The U-23 national team reached the final, although they had to be satisfied as runners-up after losing to Vietnam.

4. Qualified for the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup

The Indonesian U-20 national team has successfully qualified for the U-20 Asian Cup for the first time in the last nine years.

5. Round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup

The senior national team has advanced to the round of 16 of the Asian Cup, an achievement that is a source of pride for Indonesian football.

6. Fourth Place in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup

The U-23 national team has shown rapid development by reaching the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup.

7. Qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup

One of Shin's greatest achievements was bringing the senior national team to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, which is proof of the consistency of his program.

STY's Records and Transformation

Under Shin's leadership, the Indonesian national team has not only recorded achievements, but also broken several important records, such as:

• The first time in the last nine years that the U-20 national team has qualified for the Asian Cup.
• Bringing a modern playing style by prioritizing high pressing and stronger player physiques.
• Successfully integrating young players like Marselino Ferdinan into the first team, making him one of Asia's best prospects.

PSSI's decision has drawn various reactions, both from football observers and fans. Some parties support the move as an effort to refresh the national team, but many have criticized Shin Tae-yong's dismissal as a hasty move, considering his contribution to improving the quality of the national team.

In addition to being a coach, STY has also succeeded in becoming a commercial star in Indonesia. He became the icon of a local coffee product that was broadcast on national television stations.