Elkan Baggott Permitted To Appear In AFF Cup 2020, But Nervous About Netizen's High Expectations

Elkan Baggott (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Central defender of the Indonesian national team Elkan Baggott confirmed that he has obtained permission from his club, Ipswich Town to appear in the 2020 AFF Cup.

"The club has given me permission to play in the AFF Cup," said Elkan at the Bung Karno Intermediate Stadium, Jakarta, Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old footballer also promised to give his best for the Indonesian national team to win the 2020 AFF Cup in Singapore.

However, Elkan admitted that he was nervous because of the high expectations of the Indonesian people towards him and the Garuda squad.

However, the 194 cm tall man tries to control everything in order to give the best performance during the match.

"It's natural to be nervous because I have to play well. However, I don't want it to overwhelm my mind and try to be calm. When I step onto the pitch, I'm sure it will all go away. All that's left is to focus," said Elkan.

Elkan and his colleagues in the Indonesian national team also continue to prepare for the 2020 AFF Cup which will begin in December 2021. The training camps (TC) will take place in Jakarta and Turkey.

Coach Shin Tae-yong's squads are scheduled to leave for Turkey this Thursday.

In Turkey, apart from training, the Indonesian national team will also host the FIFA international friendly match against Afghanistan, Tuesday, November 16 and Myanmar, Thursday, November 25.

However, Elkan said that he would only participate in the match versus Afghanistan. After that match, he returned to his club Ipswich Town in England.

"So I will play against Afghanistan if coach Shin Tae-yong chooses me. After that, I will return to the club and fly to Singapore on December 1, 2021," said Elkan.

In the 2020 AFF Cup, Indonesia, which is in Group B with Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos, will have its first match on December 9, 2021, against Cambodia.

Next, Indonesia will face Laos on 12 December 2021, Vietnam three days later, and Malaysia on Sunday 19 December 2021.

All Indonesian national team matches are held at Bishan Stadium, Singapore. The 2020 AFF Cup was held centrally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.