President of the Indonesian Football Federation made frank comments about U23 Vietnam

Commenting on the performance of U23 Indonesia in the recent U23 Southeast Asian tournament, President of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), Erick Thohir, frankly admitted: “I am satisfied with the performance of the U23 Indonesia team. I understand that everyone wants to win. We are preparing for that. But that is football. U23 Indonesia has reached two consecutive U23 Southeast Asian finals, that is commendable.”

In addition, the head of Indonesian football also praised U23 Vietnam after defeating U23 Indonesia twice in a row in the final. Billionaire Erick Thohir added: “I think U23 Vietnam is a very strong team.

We have to admit that when we see them winning the U23 Southeast Asian Championship three times in a row. Even U23 Indonesia has failed five times in a row when facing this opponent. Therefore, I have to admit the strength of U23 Vietnam."

Mr. Erick Thohir believes that developing youth football will be the root for the development of a football industry. This is surprising when this billionaire himself has invited a large number of naturalized players to contribute to the Indonesian team.

“PSSI is currently developing national teams based on youth football training. We are preparing for the U17, U20, U23 and national teams. The Indonesian U17 team is already aiming for the World Cup. The elite professional academy for the U17 next year has been prepared,” said the PSSI President.

This means we should not look at this issue in such a fragmented way. I affirm that we have many youth teams to care about and invest in. That is why building a foundation cannot be based on just one team. We must protect the development of the national team by strengthening youth football training."

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/chu-tich-ldbd-indonesia-nhan-xet-thang-than-ve-u23-viet-nam-20250804191430659.htm