Shin Tae-yong Targets Reuniting with Indonesian National Team Alumni for Persija Jakarta
Shin Tae yong Eyes Reunion – TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The newly appointed head coach of Persija Jakarta, Shin Tae-yong, has hinted at the potential reintegration of several former national team players into the squad for the upcoming campaign. This move could signal a strategic shift in the team’s composition, as the South Korean tactician aims to leverage his past experience with Indonesian players to enhance Macan Kemayoran’s competitiveness. Shin emphasized that the success of this plan hinges on individual circumstances, such as current contractual obligations with other clubs.
Reconnecting with National Team Alumni
During his time managing the Indonesian national team from 2020 to 2025, Shin had close ties with key players, including Rizky Ridho, Witan Sulaeman, and Jordi Amat. These individuals, now part of Persija’s roster, could become central to his vision for the club. “There is definitely a desire to bring back players from my previous coaching roles,” Shin explained during a press conference at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) on June 8, 2026. “But we must evaluate their situations, such as existing contracts and availability.”
“Certainly, there is an intention to bring back previous national team players who were with me. But we have to see the situation of each player, such as their contracts possibly being tied to other teams at the moment and so on,” Shin stated.
Shin’s focus on reuniting with these players underscores his belief in the value of familiarity and shared tactical understanding. However, he acknowledged that the decision will depend on whether they are available to commit to Persija’s ambitions for the new season.
Staff and Tactical Vision
Alongside the player strategy, Shin confirmed plans to reappoint a core group of assistant coaches who had worked with him during his national team tenure. “The staff we bring in will include individuals who are well-recognized, especially those who were part of the national team setup,” he added. This continuity in coaching personnel is expected to create a cohesive environment for the new season.
Shin also outlined his approach to the team’s playing style, differing from his national team strategy. While the national squad prioritized defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency, he aims to make Persija more forward-thinking and aggressive. “With the national team, we had to adapt to stronger opponents, often relying on solid defense to set up attacks,” he noted. “But for Persija, we want a more dynamic and attacking style that emphasizes initiative and speed.”
“Indeed, with the national team, because the opponents were stronger and better than the national team, we always had to defend first and then counter attack,” Shin said.
To achieve this, Shin highlighted ongoing discussions with Persija’s management regarding the squad’s composition, particularly the inclusion of foreign players. “Once we finalize the mix, we can expect a more aggressive and faster approach in our matches,” he added. This focus on foreign talent is part of a broader effort to elevate the team’s performance in the Super League.
Secure Signing of Mariano Peralta
During the same press event, Shin confirmed the signing of Mariano Peralta, a former Borneo FC player. “Peralta has been contracted, as I’ve heard, and I’m thrilled about this addition,” he shared. The Argentine forward, known for his goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills, will bring a blend of experience and creativity to Persija’s attack.
Peralta’s previous contributions to Borneo FC were significant. In his debut season, he netted 20 goals and recorded 14 assists, becoming one of the league’s most impactful foreign players. His consistency in starting all 34 league matches last season helped Borneo FC maintain a strong position in the title race until the final stages, ultimately falling short to Persib Bandung in a head-to-head encounter. Shin sees Peralta’s arrival as a step toward strengthening the team’s offensive capabilities.
Player Changes and Youth Development
Shin revealed that the foreign player roster will undergo substantial revisions, while local talent is expected to remain relatively stable. “We are still in talks with Mr. Panca and the club’s owner about the foreign squad structure. There may be many changes, but local players will likely stay as they form the backbone of the team,” he explained.
The coach also emphasized his commitment to nurturing young Indonesian talent. “For the future of football in Indonesia, young players need regular exposure to top-tier competition,” Shin argued. “I believe they should play in the Indonesian League to gain experience and develop their skills.” This philosophy aligns with Persija’s broader strategy to invest in domestic prospects alongside international acquisitions.
Release of Key Foreign Players
As part of this restructuring, Persija has parted ways with seven foreign players, including Carlos Eduardo, Bruno Tubarao, Jean Mota, Emaxwell Souza, Allano Lima, Thales Lira, and Alaaeddine Ajaraie. These departures reflect the club’s determination to reshape its attacking options and inject fresh energy into the squad. The decision to release these players has sparked discussions about the team’s tactical direction and the balance between experience and emerging talent.
Shin’s plans are not only about immediate performance but also long-term growth. By integrating former national team players and young local stars, he aims to create a blend of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent. This approach could provide stability while fostering a competitive environment that encourages innovation and development.
Read more about Shin Tae-yong’s vision for Persija Jakarta’s future here. For the latest updates from Tempo, visit the Google News platform.
