Thomas Doll, the coach of Persija Jakarta, has firmly declared that he will not permit his players to join the U-23 Indonesian national team in the forthcoming 2024 U-23 Asian Cup. He has cited the urgent necessity for his players in the pursuit of the 2023/2024 Liga 1 title as the primary rationale for his decision.
“It is imperative that the players remain with us and exhibit unwavering commitment as we are currently in the midst of a heated title chase,” Doll emphasized in a statement issued on Friday, February 16, 2024.
The U-23 Indonesian national team is slated to compete in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place from April 15 to May 3, 2024 in Qatar. During this period, Persija is poised to engage in critical matches against Barito Putera, RANS Nusantara, and PSIS Semarang in the 2023/2024 Liga 1 season. These matches hold paramount importance for Persija Jakarta in securing a position in the top four standings, a prerequisite for qualifying in the championship series scheduled from May 4 to 26, 2024.
In addition to the team’s title pursuit, Doll also underscored that the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup is not included in the official FIFA schedule, further fortifying his decision to retain the players.
However, Doll’s position is not absolute. He has expressed willingness to entertain the possibility of releasing the players to the U-23 Indonesian national team under reasonable circumstances. “They may join the national team after our matches or during their off-time,” stated Thomas Doll.
Several players from Persija, such as Rio Fahmi, Rizky Ridho, Donny Tri Pamungkas, Muhammad Ferarri, and Muhammad Rayhan, have been summoned to join the U-23 Indonesian national team. Persija Jakarta has been consistently recognized for contributing players to the Garuda Squad national team.
It is evident that Thomas Doll’s decision is driven by the immediate needs of Persija Jakarta in the ongoing Liga 1 season. The coach’s emphasis on the significance of the upcoming matches underscores the team’s determination to secure their place in the league.
The conflict between the urgency of club matches and national team obligations is a ubiquitous issue encountered by coaches and players worldwide. The competing demands pose intricate challenges as they navigate their responsibilities at both club and national levels.
As the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup approaches, the considerations and determinations regarding player participation are pivotal not only for Persija Jakarta, but also for other football clubs and national teams across the globe. It is a delicate equilibrium that necessitates thoughtful deliberation and judicious management.
In conclusion, Thomas Doll’s unwavering stance in retaining Persija players from the U-23 Indonesian national team has illuminated the complex dynamics between club commitments and national team duties in the realm of professional football. As the football landscape continues to evolve, these challenges will persist, requiring a nuanced approach in managing the interests of both clubs and national teams.
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