Arhan's Primary Recognition, Shin Tae-yong Plays A Role In His Decision To Join Suwon FC

Pratama Arhan during the introduction to join Suwon FC in Jakarta (VOI/Ferry Tri Adi Sasono).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team player, Pratama Arhan, has now chosen to join the South Korean club, Suwon FC. Behind the big decision, Arhan revealed that there was a role from the Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong.

Pratama Arhan officially joined Suwon FC on January 16, 2024. The top club of the South Korean competition became the second international club to become Arhan's port.

Previously, the left-back had uniformed Tokyo Verdy, who was the J2 League team, the second level of Japan's competition, for a season.

Shin Tae-yong has an important role in Arhan's decision to move to South Korea. For the 22-year-old player, the coach's advice really helped him in providing an image in his new environment.

"Before signing the contract with Suwon FC, I discussed it with my agent first. Then, I also discussed with my parents and of course discussed it with my wife."

"I also consulted with coach Shin Tae-yong. I asked how Suwon's team was, then how was the South Korean League (K-League 1)," said Pratama Arhan during a Media Day session with Suwon FC at the Sultan Hotel, Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Based on Shin Tae-yong's input, Arhan said that taking the opportunity to join Suwon FC was the right choice. Moreover, Arhan had minimal minutes of playing at his old club, Tokyo Verdy.

"So, according to coach Shin Tae-yong, it was very good for me to move there (Suwon FC) because previously in Japan I had less time to play. In my opinion, coach Shin and I also said (this decision) was very good for me in the future," said Arhan.

Regarding the minutes of play guarantee, this was also emphasized by Pratama Arhan before receiving Suwon FC's proposal. After agreeing with this, Arhan also saw a bigger challenge in South Korea which could spur his career to develop even more.

"Personally, before signing the contract (with Suwon FC), we have spoken to my agent, we will definitely discuss the minutes of play, how about my career there."

"I also want to try new challenges again because I think Japan has learned a lot, although I rarely get playing minutes. However, now I have new challenges in South Korea."

"In my opinion, this is very good for me. It fits physically. Then I can also balance it. You see, indeed from coach Shin Tae-yong, I have learned a lot about South Korean (ball football)," said Pratama Arhan.