STY Shares His Thoughts on the Indonesian National Team's Naturalization Lighthouse Program Here!

Shin Tae-yong, head coach of the Indonesian national football team, opens up about the controversial naturalization program, sharing his honest thoughts and feelings in a candid interview.

Shin Tae-yong, the passionate and dedicated coach of Indonesia’s national team, recently took the time to speak candidly about one of the most talked-about topics in Indonesian football: the naturalization program. In an exclusive interview, the South Korean coach shared his views on the ongoing debate surrounding foreign-born players joining the national squad.

The naturalization of players has been a cornerstone of Indonesia’s strategy in recent years, as the country seeks to strengthen its squad with players who have international experience. While this move has garnered both praise and criticism, Shin Tae-yong offered a unique perspective on the matter.

According to the coach, the integration of naturalized players into the national team should not be seen as a shortcut to success but as part of a larger vision to raise the standard of Indonesian football. “I don’t view it as just bringing in foreigners to play. It’s about bringing in individuals who can contribute to the growth of our football culture,” Shin emphasized.

However, Shin Tae-yong also acknowledged the challenges that come with integrating naturalized players, particularly in terms of blending their style of play with that of the Indonesian players. He pointed out that the key to success lies in developing cohesion between the players, regardless of their backgrounds.

As Indonesia continues to explore new ways to enhance its national team, Shin Tae-yong’s insights serve as a reminder that naturalization is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The future of Indonesian football, according to the coach, depends on nurturing homegrown talent while also leveraging the strengths of naturalized players to create a balanced and competitive squad.