Various reactions from Indonesian national team players after Shin Tae-yong was fired

The dismissal of Shin Tae-yong as coach of the Indonesian National Team by PSSI on Monday (6/1/2025) became a hot topic of conversation among Indonesian football fans. Not only the public, the Indonesian national team players also gave various reactions to this surprising decision.

Jay Idzes and Asnawi Mangkualam, who were trusted to carry the captain’s armband in the Shin Tae-yong era, said their farewells and positive sentiments on social media, while Elkan Baggott, who was left out in the Shin Tae-yong era, preferred to remain silent.

1. Jay Idzes

The captain of the Indonesian National Team, Jay Idzes, expressed his gratitude to Shin Tae-yong for the memories they have created together. Through an upload on his personal Instagram Story, this naturalized player from the Netherlands expressed his appreciation for the coach from South Korea.

“Coach, thank you for the memories we made together in the National Team. We recorded history together, and I appreciate every moment we have gone through,” wrote Jay Idzes.

Although saddened by this decision, Jay chose to believe in the federation. “Even though this world is tough, I believe the federation (PSSI) will always make decisions based on what is best for the country,” he continued.

2. Asnawi Mangkualam

Asnawi Mangkualam, who was captain of the Indonesian National Team in the Shin Tae-yong era, delivered an emotional message via his personal Instagram account. He expressed his respect and gratitude to the coach who had made a big contribution to his career.

“This love and attention is already on another level. “Thank you for everything, Coach,” wrote Asnawi.

The player, who now has a career abroad, admits that he really misses the coach who guided him to become the player he is today. Shin Tae-yong is considered to have a significant role in building the character and mentality of young Indonesian players.

3. Elkan Baggott

In contrast to Jay Idzes and Asnawi, Elkan Baggott, who was once one of Shin Tae-yong’s mainstay players, actually experienced an unpleasant dynamic in the South Korean coach’s final year of coaching.

After appearing in the 2023 Asian Cup in January 2024, Elkan’s name began to be eliminated from the list of Indonesian national team players. This condition caused the relationship between the two to strain, and Elkan was no longer part of the Garuda squad until Shin Tae-yong’s dismissal was announced.

Elkan Baggott chose to remain silent after STY was fired, Elkan Baggott’s situation shows that this decision to dismiss also brings complex nuances among the players.

Now, with the dismissal of Shin Tae-yong, a big challenge awaits the new players and coaches who will replace him. Is the Indonesian National Team able to continue this momentum? This question is a big question mark that must be answered immediately amidst the dynamics of national football.

(sto)