Erick Thohir Calls for Comprehensive Evaluation After Indonesian National Team Fail to Reach AFF Cup Semifinals

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir will conduct an evaluation after the Indonesian national team failed to step into the semifinals of the ASEAN Cup 2024.

The former Inter Milan President assessed that the failure of the Indonesian national team to advance to the semifinals of the ASEAN Cup 2024 must be a valuable lesson for coach Shin Tae-yong in handling a team that is mostly under 22 years old.

“If asked, I want to win against Myanmar, win against Laos, and win against the Philippines. If there is a loss against Vietnam, it is natural for a young team. If later we have given our best until the semifinals and then lose, it's okay but we have struggled to give our best,” said PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir in a statement received by the reporter, Sunday.

“Since the beginning I have said that in this AFF we are targeting to give our best. When talking about giving the best, with these coaches and players we should be able to at least qualify for the semifinals of the AFF Cup. So on this side, of course PSSI will evaluate,” added Erick, who is also the Minister of BUMN.

The team under the supervision of STY confirmed that they did not pass the semifinals after they were defeated by the Philippines, 0-1 in the fourth match of the group B preliminaries which took place at the Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java, Saturday.

The Philippines' only goal was scored by Kristensen from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute.

Erick emphasized that the composition of the players in the Garuda team squad, the majority of whom are 22 years old, is projected to compete in the 2025 SEA Games.

But with Indonesia's failure to advance in the ASEAN Cup semifinals, it is important to remember that at the SEA Games, the rivalries from Southeast Asian countries will also show the same strength as in this competition.

“This national team is projected to the 2025 SEA Games, as well as to defend the gold medal. Because it did not make it to the semifinals of this event, which is more or less the same competition as the SEA Games later, it means that many things must be addressed immediately. There is still enough time. One more year. So clean up, especially the coach must also evaluate,” said Erick.