STY's Dismissal, Erick Thohir: Now is the Right Time

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir, in a press conference session (photo: ig @erickthohir)

JAKARTA – Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir has finally taken the bold step of replacing the head coach of the Indonesian National Team, Shin Tae-yong. This decision was taken after a series of disappointing results, including the failure of the Indonesian National Team, which was strengthened by the majority of U22 players, in the 2024 AFF Cup.

According to Erick, the evaluation of Shin had actually been carried out before the 1-2 defeat to China in the World Cup Qualifiers some time ago. However, the decision to fire Shin at that time was considered not ideal because it was considered too close to the match.

"We had actually considered changing coaches before the end of the year, especially after the match against China. However, at that time, we felt that the decision was too close and could disrupt the stability of the team," said Erick in a press conference in Jakarta, Monday, January 6.

PSSI gave Shin time to prove himself until the end of 2024, but the results in the AFF Cup were still not as expected. The Indonesian National Team failed to advance to the next round, even though it was filled with potential young players.

After Shin's dismissal, PSSI has found a new candidate for coach who is expected to prepare the National Team within two and a half months before the match against Australia in early March 2025. Erick is optimistic that the time is enough for the new coach to build a strategy and get to know the characters of the players.

"We believe that two and a half months is sufficient time for the new coach to prepare the team," said Erick.

The match against Australia is a tough test for the Indonesian National Team. The opposing squad is known to have physical and technical advantages, which will be a challenge for the new coach in a short preparation time.

However, Erick is optimistic that young players such as Marselino Ferdinan, Pratama Arhan, and Hokky Caraka can show their best potential in the match.