CNN Indonesia
Sunday, 28 Jan 2024 01:16 IWST
Jordi Amat (right) is one of the Indonesian national team players highlighted by the Australian national team coach. (REUTERS/IBRAHEEM AL OMARI)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Australian coach Graham Arnold highlights naturalized players Indonesian National team ahead of the round of 16 2023 Asian CupSunday (28/1).
The 60-year-old tactician knows that the Garuda squad is strengthened by several naturalized players such as Sandy Walsh and Ivar Jenner. He also realized that the Indonesian National Team was also defended by a player of Spanish descent, Jordi Amat.
“They have some new players. There are players [keturunan] Spain also played [Jordi Amat]. I paid attention to it,” said Arnold at the press conference before the match, Friday (27/1).
This situation made Arnold reluctant to consider Indonesia as a small opponent. He actually considered the Garuda squad a tough opponent given its existing quality.
“In my opinion, Indonesia has strength in this competition. In every match we prepare and are always ready for a fierce match. We expect that in the match,” said Arnold.
“We cannot lose mentally and must be truly ready to present the best performance in the match in order to complete our mission,” he added.
Indonesia advanced to the round of 16 through one of the best third ranked teams with a collection of three points. The three points were obtained from the victory against Vietnam. Arnold views this achievement as a sign that the Indonesian National Team is becoming more qualified.
“The tournament is getting more difficult. Indonesia is getting better now and their team is developing. They played against Japan and Iraq as a strong team and were able to beat Vietnam. We have watched their matches,” he continued.
Furthermore, Arnold also did not want to brag that his team would definitely reach the final following their status as favorites. He wants the players to focus on each match that will be played.
“We have to focus on this one match first. Don’t look too far into what hasn’t happened yet. We focus on what can be achieved. Tomorrow we play Indonesia and focus there for the match,” he said.
(ikw/nva)
2024-01-27 18:16:36
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