Gerald Vanenburg Wants Victory Against Malaysia in AFF U-23 Cup

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia U-23 national coach Gerald Vanenburg does not want his team to achieve only a draw in the last match of Group A of ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 or AFF U-23 Cup, which is enough to send Garuda Muda to the semifinals. He wants his team to keep aiming for victory over Malaysia at Gelora Bung Karno Utama Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (21/7/2025).

Indonesia currently tops the provisional standings of Group A with a collection of six points. Gaining one point while facing Malaysia was enough to secure a ticket to the knockout phase.

“Yes, I want to win every game, including against Malaysia. I don't know who our next opponent will be, but I also want to win. Whether it happens or not, we will fight for it,” Vanenburg said when he met before leading a team training session at Madya Stadium, Jakarta, Sunday (20/7/2025).

As for the condition of the squad, Vanenburg admitted to being confident with his side's preparations, although there are some players who are still monitoring their fitness conditions.

“There are a few (injured players), but I can't be sure yet. We need to know first what really happened,” he said.

Vanenburg also explained the reasons for choosing Muhammad Ardiansyah as the main goalkeeper. According to him, the decision was based on the recommendations of the goalkeeper coach.

“If the goalkeeper coach decides he is the best, I believe it. He had enough knowledge to give the right information,” he said.

The Dutch coach appreciated Ardiansyah's contribution, although he stressed the importance of keeping the focus on the next match.

“Now we have to repeat it (clean sheet) again. I'm not looking back, I'm focused on the next match,” he added.

Regarding the visit of the assistant senior national coach, Alex Pastoor, who watched the training session of the U-23 team, Vanenburg fully handed over the decision on the promotion of the player to the senior national head coach, Patrick Kluivert.

“If Patrick needs a player, Alex can come and see. But until now there has been no demand. If they need all my players to go to the World Cup, go ahead. I don't have a problem,” insists Vanenburg.

As for the style of play, Vanenburg also highlighted the long throw ability of defender Robi Derwis, who had a chance to score. However, he insists Robi has more to contribute than just a throw-in weapon.

“If the throw is an additional weapon, that's good. But more importantly, he is one of the key players,” he said.

The coach, who has defended the Dutch national team, also understands the rivalry between Indonesia and Malaysia, which he compares to the derbies of European countries.

“Neighbouring countries must have high tensions. I've played against Germany and Belgium. The most important thing is that we respect Malaysia and try to beat them in our own way,” he said.

sumber : Antara