Dragan Talajic, the 60-year-old coach of the Bahrain national football team, has ignited controversy with critical remarks directed at the Indonesian national football team. His comments were made during a press conference held on March 24, 2025, just one day before their crucial World Cup qualification match.
The match, scheduled for March 25 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, is part of the Asian qualifying rounds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both teams desperate for a win to enhance their chances of securing a spot in the tournament. Indonesia currently sits in fourth place, while Bahrain is in fifth; both teams have accumulated six points in the group standings.
During the press conference, Talajic expressed concerns about the composition of the Indonesian squad, which has been heavily criticized for its preference for naturalized players. "I watch the games of the Indonesian team. I watch four new players from the Netherlands or England every time. There are no Indonesian players," Talajic stated. His commentary reflected a viewpoint that was not only critical of the Indonesian strategy but also served to question its effectiveness on the international stage.
The recruitment of naturalized players has become a focal point in Indonesian football, particularly since the era of former coach Shin Tae-yong, who initiated a naturalization project to bolster the team’s competitive edge. Subsequent data suggests mixed results, with Indonesia drawing matches against tough opponents like Saudi Arabia and Australia but suffering a severe 1-5 defeat against Australia shortly before Talajic's comments.
Talajic further remarked, "Indonesia has a population of hundreds of millions, but most of the players are from the Netherlands. There is nothing wrong with this. We respect the Indonesian team and came here to win," which only fueled further criticism from Indonesian fans who took to social media to express their anger and frustration at his comments.
Following Talajic's remarks, many fans vented their outrage online. Some comments included statements like "Shut your mouth! What's the problem when selecting capable players?" Others pointed out that larger footballing nations, including China and India, are also incorporating naturalized players into their squads, complicating the narrative about Indonesia's player selections.
The atmosphere is tense as the teams prepare to face off. With Japan already qualifying for the World Cup Finals, Indonesia remains in contention for the lone direct ticket to the tournament. Victory over Bahrain on home ground would be pivotal in retaining their hopes, especially after a series of disappointing results under new coach Patrick Kluivert, who replaced Shin Tae-yong. Since Kluivert's appointment, fans have criticized the logicality behind Kluivert's leadership, especially following disappointing matchups.
Indonesian football remains at a crossroads, grappling with the realities of its strategic choices and performance in the qualifying rounds. As they prepare for the upcoming match against Bahrain, the Indonesian team faces not only a tactical opponent in the field but also scrutiny under the spotlight of Talajic's recent comments. Will they respond decisively to reclaim their standing in the group, or will they falter further against Bahrain?
This match is undoubtedly more than just a contest for points; it has become a stage for deeper discussions surrounding identity, national pride, and the evolving narrative of football in Indonesia. Talajic's remarks will serve as a focal point in the days leading up to the match, and the outcome will resonate beyond the scoreboard for fans invested in the future of Indonesian football.
