TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indra 'Iron Hand' Syafri, head coach of Indonesia Under 19 (U-19) National Team expressed his interest for a trial with European Clubs as a preparation for Asia Cup 2014. "With the current performance level, the players are ready to take on European teams," he told Tempo.
Indonesia, having won the spot for Asia Cup in a ferocious final showdown against defending champion South Korea, will play Asia Cup 2014 in Myanmar. Prior to the nationwide-sensation winning, the same squad won AFF Cup in South East Asia region.
Indra admitted that several event organizers have approached him for a trial match, which he had to decline as it was against his program. Coach Indra strongly suggested he wishes not an euphoria-driven trial matches.
The Iron Hand boldly said: "If they wish to do that, find other coaches." He then mentioned that any trials to come had to be adjusted to the training program he and his team had designed.
ADITYA BUDIMAN