Officially Become Persija Coach, Thomas Doll: I Can't Wait To Lead Training In Jakarta

Persija Jakarta introduced its new tactician Thomas Doll on Saturday (23/4/2022). Doll, who will also serve as manager, has a three-season contract. ANTARA/HO/Persija

JAKARTA - Thomas Doll has officially become the coach of Persija Jakarta. Thomas said he was honored to be able to handle a club nicknamed "Tigers of Kemayoran" which he considered a big team.

"I'm honored to be able to join one of the big teams in Indonesia. Of course, I really want to take Persija to a higher level. I can't wait to lead the training in Jakarta", said Doll, quoted from Persija's statement from Antara, in Jakarta, Saturday, April 23.

For the man from Germany, his work in managing Persija is a new challenge in his coaching career which has lasted more than 20 years.

Persija officially appointed Thomas Doll, who in 2007-2008 handled Borussia Dortmund, as the new tactician to replace Sudirman.

Doll later will also act as a manager. The 56-year-old man is contracted for three seasons.

"We have agreed to work together. Of course, we really hope that he can improve the team's achievements", said Persija President Mohamad Prapanca.

Before Persija, Thomas Doll had been training various clubs both in Europe and Asia.

Besides Borussia Dortmund, Doll has also managed clubs such as Hamburger SV (Germany), Hannover 96 (Germany), APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus), Glencerbirligi Ankara (Turkey), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), and Ferencvarosi TC (Hungary). ​

While working at Ferencvarosi, Doll brought his team to collect several championship trophies such as three Hungarian Cups and one Hungarian League champion.

As a player, Doll has strengthened teams from well-known European leagues such as Lazio, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hamburger SV.

Persija wants to return to the top of the Indonesian League 1 after the 2021-2022 season they "only" occupied the eighth position in the final standings of the 2021-2022 Indonesian League 1 with 45 points from 34 matches.

This achievement was not in line with the target set by the management for Riko Simanjuntak and his friends, namely to at least be in the top three.

Previously, Persija had also recruited three new players, namely Hansamu Yama, Firza Andika, and Hanif Sjahbandi.