The Mentality Of Young Indonesian National Team Players Is Shin Tae-yong's Attention

Shin Tae-yong highlighted the mentality of young players in the Indonesian national team (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, highlighted the mentality of young players in his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round.

This was conveyed in connection with the pressure that the Garuda Squad would get from supporters in these matches.

According to the South Korean coach, young players must have a strong mentality to deal with criticism.

"Look, for players directly, when they get criticism, I think they immediately feel pressured. It's a difficult thing, but the players actually have to be able to deal with it," said Shin Tae-yong, quoted on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

"When they can deal with it, surely they will develop. Mentally like that is what they must have rather than feeling that 'I am a star'. It's better to feel, 'oh this is a warning for me'."

"After feeling like that, they have to try even harder," he continued.

Shin Tae-yong also has his own tips on dealing with criticism from supporters. According to him, players do not need to think too much about the criticism that comes and only focus on showing their best during the match.

"All you need to do is just play as well as possible. From there you can develop and you can become a better player," he said.

"For this matter, don't really think too much. It would be better for all the players to keep their mental well. Be sure if you can get through it. I think so," said Shin Tae-yong again.

The Indonesian national team has been strengthened by many young players since being handled by Shin Tae-yong. Some of them are Ernando Ari (22 years), Pratama Arhan (22 years), Justin Hubner (20 years), Ivar Jenner (20 years), to Marselino Ferdinand (19 years).

On the nearest agenda, these young players are also still Shin Tae-yong's choice when facing Saudi Arabia. The meeting was the inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round which was held on Friday, September 6, 2024, early morning WIB, at the King Abdullah Stadium, Saudi Arabia.