Appreciation For Marko Simic's Sharp Return, Thomas Doll: He Needs Trust

Thomas Doll, coach of Persija Jakarta (doc. Persija).

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta coach Thomas Doll appreciated Marko Simic's sharp return when he was trusted to fill the spot in the first team. The Croatian striker just needed confidence to find his touch.

Simic successfully became a key player in Persija's 2-0 victory over Persik Kediri. In the match at the I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Bali, Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Kemayoran Tigers' two goals were donations from Simic.

Simic's success in leading the team to gain three points made Persija now move up to ninth with 38 points from 29 matches. This situation clearly made Thomas Doll smile because of the striker's sharpness starting again.

"I'm very happy with (Marko) Simic because it's not an easy time for him. He practiced a lot and now you can see. When he's training and finding his rhythm, he can help the team a lot," said Thomas Doll.

Thomas Doll clearly considers this a proud development. Previously, Simic had left the team and had only recently joined in recent times.

The striker also needed time to return to sharpness and prove his worth to be maintained by the Kemayoran Tigers.

"When he (Simic) came back (to Persija), he had not played for two years. Everyone expected him to score a goal like 4-5 years ago when he played at Persija 2018-2019. So now I'm very happy he helped the team a lot," said Doll.

"He is a player who needs confidence and a lot of training. We are happy that he is back in very good condition. He shows that he can help Persija," said the coach.

Simic began to look sharp when entering the 26th week of Liga 1 2023/2024. In the match against Arema FC, February 26, 2024, he managed to record two goals.

In the following week against Dewa United, Simic again scored two goals.

He was absent from scoring against Persib Bandung, March 9, 2024. However, Simic again added his goal record when making a brace in the 29th week against Persik.