Roberto Mancini: Indonesia Has Good Players Playing Professionally, Really Thumbs Up!
Saudi Arabia Coach, Roberto Mancini: Indonesia Has Good Players Who Play Professionally!
The coach of the Saudi Arabian National Team, Roberto Mancini, admitted that the quality of the Indonesian National Team players was quite impressive. The former Inter Milan coach also believes that the presence of many Indonesian players playing in European leagues has helped improve the level of play of the Garuda Squad.
The Saudi Arabian national team has just faced a tough challenge from Indonesia on the first matchday of the 2026 World Cup Qualification, Friday (6/9). The Green Falcons had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Indonesia.
Roberto Mancini's Praise for Indonesian National Team Players
The match taking place at the King Abdullah Stadium should be more favorable for Saudi Arabia, which is favored to win. However, Saudi Arabia conceded first in the 19th minute, although they managed to equalize later.
Even though Saudi Arabia dominated the game with 65 percent possession of the ball and fired 18 shots, these statistics were not enough to secure victory over Indonesia.
Roberto Mancini realized from the start that Indonesia was not an easy opponent to face. This Italian coach does not use FIFA rankings as the only measure of an opponent's strength. This was proven on the field, where Indonesia appeared solid, especially in defense.
The existence of players who have careers abroad is one of the main factors in improving the quality of the Indonesian National Team.
"The opening match is always a challenge in itself, especially against a team that has quality players who play professionally in European leagues," said Mancini, quoted by Arriyadiyah.
In the main line-up of the Indonesian National Team, there are eight players who have careers at foreign clubs. On the other hand, only one Saudi Arabian player, namely Saud Abdulhamid, plays abroad with AS Roma.
Saudi Arabia Squad Problem, Blunt Front Line
Saudi Arabia had many opportunities with a total of 18 shots, including one golden opportunity from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, Salem Al Dawseri's penalty was saved by the Indonesian goalkeeper, Maarten Paes. Mancini admitted that one of the causes of Saudi Arabia's failure to win was their lack of effectiveness in front of goal. “We had problems converting the chances we created in this match. "However, the final result is not the only measure of our performance," said the former Inter Milan coach.
Roberto Mancini: Indonesia Punya Pemain Bagus Bermain Profesional, Jempol Banget!
Pelatih Arab Saudi, Roberto Mancini: Indonesia Punya Pemain Bagus Yang Bermain Profesional!
Pelatih Timnas Arab Saudi, Roberto Mancini mengakui bahwa kualitas pemain Timnas Indonesia cukup mengesankan. Mantan pelatih Inter Milan tersebut juga menilai kehadiran banyak pemain Indonesia yang bermain di liga-liga Eropa telah membantu meningkatkan level permainan Skuad Garuda.
Timnas Arab Saudi baru saja menghadapi tantangan berat dari Indonesia pada matchday pertama Kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2026, Jumat (6/9). The Green Falcons harus puas bermain imbang 1-1 melawan Indonesia.
Pujian Roberto Mancini untuk Pemain Timnas Indonesia
Pertandingan yang berlangsung di Stadion King Abdullah seharusnya lebih menguntungkan bagi Arab Saudi yang diunggulkan untuk menang. Namun, Arab Saudi justru kebobolan lebih dulu pada menit ke-19, meski mereka berhasil menyamakan kedudukan kemudian.
Meskipun Arab Saudi mendominasi permainan dengan 65 persen penguasaan bola dan melepaskan 18 tembakan, statistik tersebut belum cukup untuk mengamankan kemenangan atas Indonesia.
Roberto Mancini sejak awal menyadari bahwa Indonesia bukan lawan yang mudah dihadapi. Pelatih asal Italia ini tidak menjadikan peringkat FIFA sebagai satu-satunya ukuran kekuatan lawan. Hal ini terbukti di lapangan, di mana Indonesia tampil solid, terutama dalam bertahan.
Keberadaan pemain yang berkarier di luar negeri menjadi salah satu faktor utama peningkatan kualitas Timnas Indonesia.
“Pertandingan pembuka selalu menjadi tantangan tersendiri, apalagi melawan tim yang memiliki pemain-pemain berkualitas yang bermain secara profesional di liga-liga Eropa,” ujar Mancini, dikutip dari Arriyadiyah.
Pada susunan pemain utama Timnas Indonesia, ada delapan pemain yang tercatat berkarier di klub luar negeri. Di sisi lain, hanya satu pemain Arab Saudi, yaitu Saud Abdulhamid, yang bermain di luar negeri bersama AS Roma.
Masalah Skuad Arab Saudi, Lini Depan Tumpul
Arab Saudi memiliki banyak peluang dengan total 18 tembakan, termasuk satu peluang emas melalui titik penalti. Sayangnya, eksekusi penalti oleh Salem Al Dawseri berhasil digagalkan oleh kiper Indonesia, Maarten Paes.
Mancini mengakui bahwa salah satu penyebab kegagalan Arab Saudi dalam meraih kemenangan adalah efektivitas yang kurang di depan gawang.
“Kami menghadapi masalah dalam mengkonversi peluang-peluang yang kami ciptakan pada pertandingan ini. Namun, hasil akhir bukan satu-satunya tolok ukur penampilan kami,” kata mantan pelatih Inter Milan tersebut.
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