The ongoing dispute between Persija Jakarta coach Thomas Doll and the architect of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong, is intensifying and prolonging. Thomas Doll has expressed his disappointment over Shin Tae-yong’s absence in a virtual meeting between Persija and the Indonesian U-20 national team, facilitated by the Technical Director of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Indra Sjafri, on February 7, 2023.
During the meeting, Shin Tae-yong reportedly delegated his assistant, Nova Arianto, to discuss matters with Thomas Doll and the Vice President of Persija, Ganesha Putera. This move did not sit well with Thomas Doll, as the meeting was intended to seek solutions regarding the controversy surrounding the selection of Persija players for the long-term training camp of the Indonesian U-20 national team.
In a press conference before the match between Persija and Arema FC at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, on Saturday (11/2/2023), Thomas Doll openly expressed his dismay, likening Shin Tae-yong to a clown rather than a football coach due to his stint as a television commercial star. Doll went on to question the seriousness of Shin Tae-yong’s commitment, stating that his television appearances resembled that of a clown and not a professional football coach, undermining the credibility of the latter’s role.
Shin Tae-yong has indeed been featured in commercials for packaged coffee, ramen, and automotive companies since his tenure as the manager of the Indonesian national team over the past three years. Thomas Doll found Shin Tae-yong’s involvement in commercial endorsements to be unacceptable, particularly for a national team coach. He emphasized that such actions were unbecoming of a football coach and failed to demonstrate the required level of seriousness and professionalism in the role.
Thomas Doll’s remarks shed light on the growing tension and divergence of perspectives between him and Shin Tae-yong, as their professional relationship continues to be strained by conflicting attitudes and actions. The clash between the two figures in Indonesian football has garnered attention and raised concerns about the impact of their discord on the teams under their leadership.
The unfolding situation between Thomas Doll and Shin Tae-yong serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity in the realm of sports management, particularly at the national and club levels. As both coaches strive to navigate this delicate situation, it remains to be seen how their differences will be resolved and whether it will impact the performance and morale of the teams they oversee.
Leave a Reply