Irwansyah: 'They Should Have a Positive and Relaxed Mind When Playing'
Translator
Editor
27 April 2024 12:00 WIB
You seemed quite confident that one of our players was going to be a champion...
I was sure because I saw their performances. That’s the level of Indonesia’s men’s singles players like Jonatan and Anthony Ginting should be playing. I changed their mindsets.
What was wrong with the way Indonesian players mindsets?
Their state of mind while on the field was a burden in competition. As a result, their performances fluctuated. They should have a positive and relaxed mind when playing. I have always told them not to think about unpleasant or less positive things before leaving. Leave those thoughts behind because once they are on the field, they should only focus on chasing the shuttlecock.
To what extent does this mentality influence a game?
It can make it unstable. But, God willing, they will become extraordinary and hopefully consistent players.
The instability was reflected in the performances of singles players in several tournaments before the All England. What was the problem?
Previously, they participated in the Indonesia Masters and were defeated in the semifinals. Playing in their own country, they did not win the title. I was disappointed, and they were too. After that, I pushed them. I gave them a good portion of training, and they trained well. Working together with the sports science department and the performance analysis team. I prepared specific training for them to face the All England. But we had to participate in the French Open as part of the tournament leading to the Paris 2024 Olympics. We lost in the early rounds of the French Open. Jonatan and Anthony Ginting were disappointed. But we went there not because we didn’t want to become champions, but to make the tournament a test.
How do you boost players’ morale in such difficult situations?
I tell them that defeat is not a problem because it’s part of the process. Who doesn’t want to be a champion? That’s why I don’t want to train them when they are sad. That situation will make them weak. We must not let their motivation drop. I convey that their game is already good, but there are mistakes that need to be fixed. Since then, I have been sure that one of our men’s singles players will become a champion.
What changes did you make in terms of game tactics?
I asked them to change the tempo, it has to be faster. I also changed the power to be stronger. Their individual playing patterns are different. Each player has his own character. Jonatan’s is different from Anthony Ginting’s or vice versa.
