The Indonesian National Team's Training In Saudi Arabia Was Hit By A Storm, Shin Tae-yong Ensured That The Team's Condition Was Safe

The Indonesian national team exercise in Saudi Arabia was hit by a storm (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team's training session ahead of the opponents of Saudi Arabia in the Third Round of the 2026 World Qualification was disrupted by thunderstorms. Even though the situation had broken the focus of players, Shin Tae-yong ensured that the team's condition was safe.

Previously, it was known that the Indonesian national team was currently in Jeddah to prepare against Saudi Arabia on Friday, September 6, 2024, early morning WIB. The training session was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at night Saudi Arabia's time at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

However, the agenda was slightly disrupted due to heavy rain accompanied by snow falling at the location which made Ricky Kambuaya and his friends said they could not fully focus.

"Players have been in good condition for the past two days. However, the training on the second day was raining heavily. This is unique in Saudi Arabia. It was raining, so the focus of the players was a little less good," said Shin Tae-yong in his statement quoted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

However, the coaching team is optimistic that the performance of the players will improve. There are still two days to strengthen preparations before the opponents of Saudi Arabia.

"The most important thing is whether the performance of the players increases or not. This is the main concern at this time," said the coach.

Not only Shin Tae-yong, heavy rain accompanied by snow in Saudi Arabia also surprised the Indonesian national team defender, Justin Hubner. He did not expect to face weather conditions like this in Saudi Arabia.

"We had an incredible storm during training. I didn't know it could rain here," Hubner said in an Instastory post.

Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, Shin Tae-yong had warned of non-technical factors, namely weather adaptation. You see, it can affect the performance of the Garuda Squad.

To fight Saudi Arabia, 26 players were called. A total of 14 players came from foreign clubs and 12 others from the domestic league.