Associated With The Indonesian National Team, Stefano Lilipaly: I'm Not Focused On That

Stefano Lilipaly focuses on Borneo FC in Liga 1 (Instagram/@cherizolilipaly).

Stefano Lilipaly is a player who continues to be discussed and associated with the Indonesian national team. He was not brought by Shin Tae-yong to the 2023 Asian Cup.

The public considers that the Borneo FC player actually deserves to be included in the Garuda Squad. However, the South Korean coach has a reason that Stefano does not have a strong physique to compete at the Asian level.

Suddenly, fans of the Indonesian national team questioned Shin Tae-yong's decision to remember Stefano performing well with Pesut Etam in Liga 1 2023/2024. A similar situation re-emerged when Shin Tae-yong began to call the Indonesian national team players for the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

Stefano's name was echoed to enter the Garuda Squad against Vietnam in March 2024.

The pressure cannot be separated from Stefano's impressive record with Borneo FC. He has recorded two goals and five assists from four matches after the 2023 Asian Cup. In total, he has scored 11 goals for Pesut Etam in 27 games this season.

Despite his proof at the club, Lilipaly, who is again involved with the Indonesian national team, has his own views.

He admits he is ready if he is needed. If not, then the 34-year-old player will not have a problem with it because he has other focuses.

"First, I am not focused on the Indonesian national team. I played for Borneo this season. There was no such target (called to the Indonesian national team). I just focus on the club," Stefano Lilipaly said in his statement after defending Borneo FC.

Furthermore, Stefano Lilipaly also feels that his good performance this season is not due to his own hard work. He admitted that it happened because there was support from all Borneo FC players along with staff and officials.

"This year I played well because the team was also good. There were good players, staff, coaches were all good here. I enjoyed it," he said.

"You can also see in our match (all players) playing well, not just me. Likewise for the team, it makes me happy because it can contribute to the team," he said.