Erick Thohir Responds to STY’s Criticism of AFF Cup: Don’t Complain Too Much
Erick Thohir Urges Focus Amidst Shin Tae-Yong‘s AFF cup Criticism
Jakarta – PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir has responded to criticism leveled by Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-Yong regarding the format of the 2024 AFF Cup.
shin Tae-Yong expressed concerns over the group stage’s home-and-away format, arguing that the demanding schedule hinders player recovery. He suggested a home tournament format for the group stage,with the knockout rounds adopting the home-and-away system.
Thohir, however, believes the focus should remain on the ongoing competition. He acknowledged the challenges of a packed schedule but emphasized the importance of commitment and minimizing complaints.
“All competition formats are tiring,” Thohir stated in Jakarta on Monday. “That’s why I didn’t force the league to stop. we’re focusing on developing young players. All formats are tiring, even in European leagues, they play in their domestic leagues and then in the Champions League amidst the season.”
He urged all stakeholders to unite behind the PSSI’s program, emphasizing the importance of a collective effort.”I hope that whatever program we have agreed upon, we commit to it. Let’s not talk too much, let’s not complain too much. Let’s focus on the program. We have a good PSSI program, a good coach, and the players must be good too,” Thohir added.
The group stage schedule is indeed demanding. Indonesia,placed in group B alongside Vietnam,Myanmar,Laos,and the Philippines,faces a series of back-to-back matches.
Their campaign began with an away match against Myanmar on December 9th, followed by a home game against Laos on December 12th. They then travel to Vietnam on December 15th before enjoying a longer break ahead of their encounter with the Philippines on December 21st.
thohir Calls for Unity Amidst AFF cup Format debate
Jakarta – Following criticism from Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-Yong regarding the format of the 2024 AFF Cup, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir urged stakeholders to focus on the ongoing competition.
Shin Tae-Yong expressed concerns about the group stage’s home-and-away format, stating it hinders player recovery.He proposed a home tournament format for the group stage, with the knockout rounds adopting the home-and-away system.
Thohir acknowledged the demanding schedule but emphasized the importance of commitment and minimizing complaints.
“All competition formats are tiring,” Thohir stated.”That’s why I didn’t force the league to stop. We’re focusing on developing young players.All formats are tiring, even in European leagues, they play in their domestic leagues and then in the Champions League amidst the season.”
He urged all parties to unite behind the PSSI’s program, emphasizing the need for a collective effort. “I hope that whatever program we have agreed upon, we commit to it. Let’s not talk to much, let’s not complain too much. Let’s focus on the program. We have a good PSSI program,a good coach,and the players must be good too,” thohir added.
Indonesia, placed in group B alongside Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines, face a series of back-to-back matches in the group stage.