Shin Tae-yong proud of elevating Indonesian football, moves to Persija Jakarta with new determination

Shin Tae-yong has officially closed his five-year journey with the Indonesian national team and begun a new chapter at Persija Jakarta. At his introductory press conference in early September 2026, the South Korean tactician did not hide his pride: "I have given my best and I am personally proud because Indonesian football has risen one level." That statement resonated as PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir was also present to support the transition. Shin Tae-yong's journey in Indonesia began in 2026, when he took charge of the national team amid a desire to elevate the archipelago's football. Under his leadership, Indonesia achieved remarkable progress: reaching the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia, winning a bronze medal at the 2026 SEA Games, and consistently improving its FIFA ranking. Although he could not take the team to Qatar, his legacy includes a well-organized tactical system, resilient fighting spirit, and a promising young core. The press conference was not just a farewell. It was also a statement that Indonesian football is developing beyond the national team. Shin Tae-yong emphasized: "After experiencing domestic competitions and events like the Piala Presiden, I feel that the level of the league itself has also risen one level." This observation came from his real experience watching domestic matches during his tenure. He noted that professionalism, infrastructure, and competition among clubs have improved significantly, providing a solid foundation for sustainable growth. However, what caught the attention of experts and fans was how Shin Tae-yong spoke about the upcoming challenge. After signing with Persija Jakarta, he admitted: "I think that I must work hard and focus on the league like when I coached the national team." This is not an empty promise. Shin Tae-yong understands the difference between international and club football: weekly pressure, domestic competition, and expectations from one of Indonesia's most historic clubs. Persija Jakarta, nicknamed "Macan Kemayoran", is one of the most popular clubs in Southeast Asia. Appointing a coach who elevated the national team to new heights inevitably creates huge expectations. But Shin Tae-yong did not flinch. He said: "He wants to give the same focus to Persija as when he handled the national team." This shows he is ready for a long-term journey, not a sprint. A contrarian perspective must be raised: can the success at the national team level be replicated in a club environment? At the national team, Shin Tae-yong could call up the best players from various clubs, but at Persija, he can only work with the current squad. If the squad is unbalanced or lacks depth, tactical plans may falter. Moreover, club pressure is often harsher: if results are not good in the first 5-10 matches, public opinion can quickly turn. Yet Shin Tae-yong is aware of this. At the press conference, he repeatedly emphasized hard work and focus. "I think that I must work hard and focus on the league like when I coached the national team," he said again. This shows he is not delusional about the difficulty. Instead, he sets long-term goals: build a stable playing style, develop young players, and bring Persija back to title contention. The presence of PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir at the press conference is also a significant signal. It shows top-level support for this transition and confirms that Indonesian football is on the right track. Thohir has repeatedly stated his desire to elevate Liga Indonesia, and Shin Tae-yong's choice to coach a domestic club is the clearest evidence of that development. Tactically, Shin Tae-yong is known for high pressing and quick transitions. At the Indonesian national team, he often used flexible 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formations, demanding good physical condition and tactical discipline. At Persija, will he apply the same principles? Possibly. But he will have to adjust to the current squad's quality. If Persija has midfielders who can escape pressing well, or fast full-backs, Shin Tae-yong's philosophy can be more easily implemented. Another notable point is the development of young players. Shin Tae-yong has proven his ability to give opportunities to young talents at the national team, such as Marselino Ferdinan, Rizky Ridho, and Pratama Arhan. At Persija, he can continue to do the same, which is a long-term strategy that saves costs and creates a unique identity. If successful, Persija will not only have a strong squad but also become an attractive destination for young Indonesian players. However, time cannot be ignored. Shin Tae-yong has only just started at Persija, and the first results will appear in the coming months. Fan pressure is inevitable, especially after the national team's success. But if anyone is resilient enough to face that challenge, it is Shin Tae-yong. He overcame doubts when he came to Indonesia in 2026, and he can do it again. Lessons from the past show that many coaches successful with national teams have failed at club level. The reason is often the difference in working environment, time constraints, and performance pressure. But Shin Tae-yong seems to have learned that. At the press conference, he did not promise immediate titles. Instead, he spoke of hard work and focus. That is a positive sign that he is approaching the job realistically. Broadly, this event reflects a larger trend in Southeast Asia: clubs are increasingly hiring coaches with international experience to improve league quality. Before Shin Tae-yong, many foreign coaches came to Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam. But a coach who just successfully led the national team moving directly to a domestic club is rare. It shows Shin Tae-yong's confidence in the potential of Indonesian football, as well as PSSI's belief in the development of Liga Indonesia. Finally, the biggest question remains: can Shin Tae-yong replicate his miracle at Persija Jakarta? No one knows the answer yet, but he will certainly not lack motivation. "I think that I must work hard and focus on the league like when I coached the national team." That statement rings like a vow, and now Indonesian football fans will wait to see if the national team hero can become a club legend.