Harmoni Tim Kuat, Sumardji Harap Fans Enjoy National Team Action in FIFA Series

JAKARTA - Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN) Sumardji revealed the harmonious condition of the team under the guidance of John Herdman. Despite the positive results achieved, he asked the Indonesian national team supporters to manage their expectations of the coach.

Sumardji is aware that at the beginning of a new era, a team does not always get positive results. Therefore, he hopes that supporters will give Herdman full support in this crucial time, so that the English coach can successfully handle Indonesia later.

"I hope all the fans can just enjoy it, just enjoy tomorrow's match," said Sumardji at the Madya Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, quoted by ANTARA on Sunday, March 29, ahead of Herdman's second match with Indonesia against Bulgaria tomorrow night.

"Regardless of the result, we all hope that tomorrow we can get results and we can get a victory and we can become champions in this FIFA Series," he added.

On the same occasion, he then revealed the condition of the team which he thought was very good and was ready to play against Bulgaria, a team ranked 87th in the world who had played seven times in the World Cup.

In the afternoon training session at the Madya Stadium, there was a new name joining the squad. He is the Bali United striker, Jens Raven.

Raven entered the final squad to replace Persija Jakarta striker Mauro Zijlstra who was injured. Meanwhile, Zijlstra is still training on Sunday afternoon, but he is training separately.

"The condition is that the children are really very good. The physical condition is good, the atmosphere of the team is very good. Plus Coach John always emphasizes building good communication with the players," said the former Indonesian national team manager.

"So if you ask how the overall condition is, this team is really ready and really shows the same heart, yes, the same heart. There is no sense of worry and so on," he said.

In his first match last Friday, Herdman marked his debut with a 4-0 victory over Saint Kitt and Nevis. The four Indonesian goals in the match were scored by Ole Romeny, Zijlstra, and Beckham Putra who scored two goals.

"Everyone is happy, everyone is happy, and God willing, tomorrow we will show the best entertainment for this nation and country," he said.