JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong, is not only good at concocting tactics for his team on the field. The 51 coach also knows how to silence reporters.

This happened when he asked the media crew after holding a coordination meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali on Thursday, February 10. One sentence that came out of the mouth of the 51-year-old coach made dozens of journalists who interviewed him suddenly fell silent.

"It was the worst as long as I was in charge of this team because many players were positive for COVID-19. Even I myself am not feeling well,” said Shin in response to a question regarding the preparation of the national team for the AFF U-23 Cup in Cambodia February 14-26.

The coach's last sentence made the reporters who did the doorstop pause for about four seconds. Seeing the reaction of the media crew, Shin immediately made a move like a swordsman opening a move.

His actions, which seemed to spread the virus, immediately melted the tense atmosphere. Boisterous laughter from journalists immediately broke out.

The Indonesian national team finally failed to go to the age group competition. According to the information provided by the national football association (PSSI) there are two basic reasons that made the Garuda squad canceled for the U-23 AFF Cup.

First there were seven players and one official who tested positive for COVID-19. The seven players are Ronaldo Joybera R Junior, Muhammad Ferrari, Braif Fatari, Taufik Hidayat, Irfan Jauhari, Ahmad Figo Ramadhani, and Cahya Supriyadi.

In addition, there are four players who are waiting for the incubation period because they were in the same room with those who were exposed. They are Alfeandra Dewangga, Genta Alparedo, Muhammad Kanu Helmiawan, and Marcelino Ferdinand.

Then the second reason, there are three players who are injured. They are Gunansar Mandowen, Ramai Rumakiek, and Muhammad Iqbal.

The three players who suffered the injury while strengthening their respective clubs in Liga 1 Indonesia. They are currently in recovery.

This condition made Shin Tae-yong send an official letter to the federation and propose to cancel Indonesia's participation in the AFF U-23 Cup. Shin Tae-yong's request was then responded to by PSSI.


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