Thomas Doll, the coach of Persija Jakarta, has unequivocally stated that he will prohibit his players from participating in the U-23 Indonesian national team for the forthcoming 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. This determination is rooted in a number of compelling rationales, as articulated by the esteemed German coach.
Doll underscored the imperative necessity for the Kemayoran Tigers to retain their players at optimal capacity as they vie for the 2023/2024 Liga 1 title. He emphatically reaffirmed that the players would not be departing to join the U-23 Indonesian national team, firmly asserting, “We require their presence due to the pursuit of a championship.”
The U-23 Indonesian national team is slated to vie in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, scheduled for April 15 to May 3, 2024, in Qatar. This directly clashes with Persija’s imminent fixtures in the Liga 1 2023/2024, where they are slated to contend against Barito Putera, RANS Nusantara, and PSIS Semarang.
These fixtures are of pivotal significance for Persija Jakarta in their endeavor to qualify for the championship series, slated for May 4-26, 2024. Hence, the team necessitates the full complement of their players to realize their objective of securing a top four position in the regular season.
Moreover, the non-inclusion of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup in the official FIFA agenda has also influenced Doll’s resolve. He is disinclined to release his players owing to this particular aspect.
Nevertheless, Doll’s edict is not irrevocable. He alluded to the potentiality of still considering permitting his players to join the U-23 Indonesian national team, albeit under stringent and judicious deliberations. “They may depart post-match or during dedicated intervals,” articulated Doll, signifying a degree of flexibility in his stance.
Of note is the historical involvement of Persija Jakarta in furnishing players to the U-23 Indonesian national team. Figures such as Rio Fahmi, Rizky Ridho, Donny Tri Pamungkas, Muhammad Ferarri, and Muhammad Rayhan have recurrently been summoned from the club to join the Garuda Squad.
In summation, Thomas Doll’s decision to withhold Persija players from participation in the U-23 Asian Cup is grounded in the imperative need for the team to uphold its competitive prowess in Liga 1. While the coach has not categorically precluded the possibility, he is approaching the situation with meticulous consideration of the team’s itinerary and obligations.
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