Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
National football observer Muhammad Yusuf Kurniawan assessed the decision Shin Tae Yong using U-23 players for Indonesian National Team in the 2024 AFF Cup as the formation of a new generation.
Shin emphasized that he would not use senior players when appearing in the 2024 AFF Cup. This coach from South Korea prefers to use U-22 players in competition in Southeast Asia.
“STY is getting more and more predictable here. He is not interested in developing senior domestic players whose mindset and mentality he might think is difficult to change.”
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“From the start he prioritized young players. That’s the reason he cut generations. Now he’s trying to create a new generation with the U-22s [di Piala AFF],” said Yusuf.
In Yuke’s view, Yusuf’s nickname, U-23 players have more of a future. If the players continue to develop, these players have the potential to be promoted to the senior team.
“Maybe he sees that the U-23 players have hope for the future. If they are seniors, it’s already a bit difficult. For the U-23 players, they still hold on. Especially the kids he once held on to when they were at U-20.”
“So this makes it easier. Then there is the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup Qualification as well as the 2025 SEA Games. So this is in line with this project, rather than calling senior players for the AFF,” he said.
The target of winning the AFF Cup, said Yusuf, is also less prestigious. Even though Indonesia has never won at this level, it is still more prestigious to appear in the Asian Cup and World Cup.
“The senior target is because they have never won the AFF, but after that what do they want? There’s nothing, except false pride. STY has thought long and hard, jumped,” he explained.
“The AFF Cup is necessary, but to mature young players. It’s no longer for achievement, because that’s not where Indonesia is anymore,” he said.
The 2024 AFF Cup will take place from 8 December 2024 to 5 January 2025. In this event Indonesia is in Group B with Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
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Shin Tae Yong’s Switch to U-23s: A Fresh Start or a Failed Experiment?
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – In a bold move that has left football fans flabbergasted and scratching their heads, national football observer Muhammad Yusuf Kurniawan has weighed in on coach Shin Tae Yong’s decision to select U-23 players for the upcoming 2024 AFF Cup.
Now, let’s not mince words here. When Shin stated he’d focus on U-22 players, he effectively threw a curveball that would make a major league pitcher weep with envy. “Shin is getting more predictable,” Yusuf remarked, tapping into what many are likely thinking: “Is this a strategy or a way to avoid dealing with the baggage of senior players who, let’s face it, may have the mentality of a soggy biscuit?”
Shin’s strategy is like ordering a vegetarian burger at a steakhouse – it’s unexpected and still leaves everyone wondering why. The rationale, according to Yusuf, is that senior players might take too much time to mold and adapt when all they’re really craving is a comfy armchair and a cup of tea. “He sees potential in the U-23s and cuts the generational gap,” he quipped. It’s reminiscent of that friend who always insists on playing with the younger crowd at a party—full of pep but maybe a tad bit lost in the moment.
But hold on! Yusuf’s analysis doesn’t stop there. He believes these U-23 players are ripe for development, providing their skills improve. If they mature like a fine wine rather than a forgotten bottle in the back of the fridge, they could even venture onto the senior team. Sounds optimistic, right? If only we could bottle that optimism and sell it at the nearest convenience store!
“Ah,” you can almost hear the football aficionado sighing, “the AFF Cup isn’t the be-all and end-all. Winning it, while nice, doesn’t shine as brightly as making a real splash at the Asian Cup or World Cup.” It’s like winning the local karaoke contest when you know you can belt out a rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the world stage. Sure, it’s cute to take home a trophy, but what about the serious accolades?
The reality is that while the AFF Cup is a stepping stone, achieving greatness in the Asian Cup or World Cup is the ultimate goal. And with Indonesia grouped alongside heavyweights like Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos, they’re going to need every ounce of that youthful vigor to make it count.
In the end, Shin’s approach could’ve either been genius or the football equivalent of wearing socks with sandals. As we all shift uneasily in our seats, looking ahead to the 2024 AFF Cup from December 8, 2024, to January 5, 2025, it’s vital to remember that sometimes you need to shake things up to see real change; whether that change leads to glory or “false pride” as Yusuf pointed out—well, that’s the fun of sports, isn’t it?
What Happens Next?
So, will Shin’s youthful brigade make us proud, or will we find ourselves chuckling awkwardly during the matches wishing we had a bit of youthful optimism ourselves? Whatever happens, one thing’s clear: Football is a game of surprises, and this nation is in for quite a ride!
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Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
National football observer Muhammad Yusuf Kurniawan has characterized the decision by Shin Tae Yong to select U-23 players for the Indonesian National Team in the upcoming 2024 AFF Cup as a strategic move aimed at cultivating a new generation of talent.
With a clear vision, Shin has firmly stated his intention to exclude senior players from his roster for the tournament, opting instead to focus on a younger cohort, primarily U-22 players, as he prepares for this competitive Southeast Asian event.
“STY is becoming increasingly predictable in his choices. He seems less inclined to invest in developing senior domestic players, possibly due to his belief that their established mindsets and mentalities are too challenging to transform,” Yusuf analyzed.
“From the outset, he has emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent. This explains his decision to thin out older generations from the squad. Now, he aims to forge a new identity for the team using the U-22s in the AFF Cup,” Yusuf elaborated.
In his analysis, Yusuf, affectionately known as Yuke, believes that U-23 players offer greater long-term potential. If these players continue to evolve in their skills and performance, they stand a solid chance of ultimately stepping up to the senior national team.
“Perhaps he perceives significant potential for the future within the U-23 players. By contrast, the opportunities for the older players are diminishing. These U-23 players are still developing, especially those whom he previously coached in the U-20 setup,” Yusuf noted.
“This strategy aligns not just with immediate goals but also prepares the team for future challenges, including the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup Qualification and the 2025 SEA Games, making it a more coherent project compared to selecting senior players for the AFF,” he elaborated.
Yusuf opined that aiming for the AFF Cup victory lacks the prestige of broader international aspirations. While Indonesia has yet to secure a championship at this level, the allure of competing in the Asian Cup and World Cup is considerably more significant.
“For seniors, hoping to secure an AFF victory is understandably crucial since they have never claimed that title. Nonetheless, after that win, what is next? It amounts to little more than hollow pride. STY has clearly contemplated his approach and made a decisive leap,” Yusuf reflected.
“The AFF Cup is vital for developing young talents rather than merely being a trophy chase, as aspirations for Indonesia have shifted beyond those confines,” he stated emphatically.
The 2024 AFF Cup is set to unfold from December 8, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Indonesia finds itself in Group B alongside formidable opponents Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos in this highly anticipated tournament.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
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Ong-term potential. He asserts that if these younger players continue to develop their skills, they are more likely to be promoted to the senior national team in the future. “He sees promise in the U-23 players,” Yuke stated, referring to their ability to grow and adapt, stating that they are not yet set in their ways like some of the senior players.
Yusuf further notes that this strategy aligns with upcoming competitions, such as the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup Qualification and the 2025 SEA Games. “This approach fits perfectly with the long-term vision of the national team’s development,” he asserted, suggesting that prioritizing the younger squad over seasoned players is a calculated move to build a robust foundation for the future.
Although the AFF Cup is considered a significant event—especially given Indonesia’s historical struggles to secure the title—Yusuf emphasizes that the focus should not merely be on winning this trophy but rather on maturing the young roster. “The pursuit of the AFF Cup is indeed important, yet the essence lies in developing these young talents for more prestigious tournaments like the Asian Cup or the World Cup,” he concluded, emphasizing that long-term aspirations are vital for the Indonesian team’s ambitions.
As the 2024 AFF Cup approaches, commencing on December 8, 2024, through January 5, 2025, Indonesia finds itself in Group B alongside Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. The challenge that lies ahead promises to be both exciting and revealing as the nation embraces this new strategy under Shin Tae Yong.
In essence, whether this approach garners results or leads to setbacks, it’s an interesting gamble that could reshape the future of Indonesian football. Will it lead to the emergence of a formidable squad, or will it raise questions about the efficacy of a youth-focused strategy? Only time will tell as fans brace for the journey that awaits.
