Even Though You Are Tired, Playing At Home Makes Marselino Ferdinand Motivated

Marselino Ferdinand was motivated to play at home when the Indonesian national team against Laos (doc. AFC).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team attacking midfielder, Marselino Ferdinand, admitted that he was quite tired with the schedule for the 2024 AFF Cup.

Even so, the second matchday which will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the night of Indonesian Western Time (WIB) actually sparked his enthusiasm and motivation to perform optimally.

The spirit that burned Marselino Ferdinand was not without reason. The reason is, the match will be a home match for the Indonesian national team.

The party will take place at Manahan Stadium, Solo, at 20.00 WIB and will certainly be filled with thousands of supporters.

"I myself feel tired, but still excited to play at home because it made us motivated to give our best," said Marselino Ferdinand in a statement before the match, quoted on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

At the 2024 AFF Cup, Shin Tae-yong deliberately chose young players to dominate the squad. On average, the U-22 player is appointed by the coach to get experience as well as preparation for appearing at the 2025 SEA Games.

Despite being inhabited by the majority of young players, Marselino believes that the squad prepared by Shin Tae-yong is able to show the best performance.

In addition, he believes that recovery will be easier for young players in the midst of a busy schedule.

"Even though we are young players, our mindset and mentality must be better. Young players have a faster recovery and that is very helpful," said the Oxford United player.

On the second matchday of Group B, the Indonesian national team will host Laos. This match is predicted to be the moment of the Garuda Squad to continue its positive record after winning 1-0 over Myanmar in Yangon, Monday, December 9, 2024.