Coach Shin Tae-yong said before Thursday’s Group A match between Indonesia and Thailand at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta that his team is moving forwards and that supporters may expect a win.
“In the past, I couldn’t control the team well because of Covid-19. But after almost a year, I’ve got the situation under control, helped the team improve and cohesive in the game.” Tae-yong said.
“I would like to emphasise that everyone can count on the current Indonesian team.”
“Indeed, this match is the most important in Group A. I have told the whole team how important it is, I want them to give their best and I am ready to make sacrifices for this team.” Tae-yong added.
Shin Tae-yong led South Korea in the 2018 World Cup finals. Therefore, he faced many expectations when coaching Indonesia national team.
But under his reign, the team of Indonesia has not been able to make a breakthrough, at least in the confrontations with Thailand.
They drew 2-2 in the second qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup, lost 0-4 in the first leg and drew 2-2 in the second leg of the AFF Cup final 2020.
He was in charge of Indonesia U23, however his team kept falling to U23 Thailand in the SEA Games 2021 semifinals.
In the AFF Cup opening match against Cambodia on December 23, Indonesia opened the scoring thanks to Egy in the 7th minute, but was equalised eight minutes later and won only 2-1.
According to the Indonesian press, coach Shin was very mas with his side in the dressing room after that match.
He said that Indonesia missed too many delicious opportunities, in which Egy had a situation to face the Cambodian goalkeeper but handled it cumbersomely and then lost the ball.
