Thomas Doll, the esteemed coach of Persija Jakarta, has recently articulated his firm decision to retain his players and prevent them from joining the U-23 Indonesian national team for the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. This determination has been influenced by a multitude of significant factors as the esteemed German coach is resolute in preserving the integrity of his squad.
Doll has underscored the imperative for his players to remain with Persija as they endeavor to vie for the 2023/2024 Liga 1 title. In his declaration on February 16, 2024, he conveyed, “No (leaving the U-23 Indonesian national team). We need them (players) because there is a title hunt.”
The U-23 Indonesian national team is slated to partake in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar from April 15 to May 3, 2024. Concurrently, Persija is poised to partake in pivotal matches in Liga 1 2023/2024 against Barito Putera, RANS Nusantara, and PSIS Semarang during the same timeframe. These fixtures hold paramount significance for Persija as they endeavor to secure a berth in the championship series in May 2024.
Additionally, the fact that the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup is not listed on the official FIFA agenda has also influenced Doll’s determination, leading him to prioritize his players’ commitment to Persija.
Nevertheless, Doll has indicated a degree of flexibility in his position. He has noted the potential for players to join the U-23 Indonesian national team after their matches or during their discretionary time, signaling a willingness to entertain the possibility under judicious circumstances.
Historically, Persija has been renowned for contributing players to the U-23 Indonesian national team, with prominent individuals such as Rio Fahmi, Rizky Ridho, Donny Tri Pamungkas, Muhammad Ferarri, and Muhammad Rayhan having been summoned in the past.
The unfolding of events in the approaching weeks will reveal how the situation transpires as the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup draws near. Doll’s determination underscores the intricate dynamics that exist between club commitments and national team obligations, as well as the equilibrium that coaches must achieve in managing their players’ participations in diverse competitions.
As the anticipation for the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup continues to mount, the football community will be keenly observing the evolution of this development and the potential impact it may have on both Persija Jakarta and the U-23 Indonesian national team.
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