Discipline of U16 Indonesia: Confiscate phones every night, be late for practice and get expelled

"We just had a player who was late for practice and had lunch late. I reminded them many times about the general discipline of the whole team. If the player repeats such a mistake, they will be immediately expelled," CNN Indonesia quoted Mr. Nova Arianto - Head Coach of Indonesia's U16 team.

To prepare for important tournaments such as the 2024 Southeast Asian U16 Championship and the 2025 Asian U17 qualifiers, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has called up dozens of young players.

These players were divided into several groups. They underwent tests and had 3-4 days to demonstrate their abilities. After that, Coach Arianto gave a further list including the best names.

The reason this former player had to work and screen dozens of young players was because he and the coaching staff did not have enough information about this generation of players. This lack partly affected the preparation process of U16 Indonesia.

Mr. Arianto revealed that all the Indonesian U16 players will have their phones confiscated at 9:30 pm every day. Anyone who violates or intentionally uses their phones will be sent back to the club.

"Discipline is a key factor for the team. If young players disregard discipline, I think they have no future," coach Nova Arianto assessed.

Players who violate discipline will not have a place in the Indonesian national team. Coach Shin Tae-yong has led the U19, U23 and national teams throughout. Therefore, his philosophy has been imbued with many assistants.

Coach Arianto is an assistant to Shin Tae-yong in the Indonesian national team. He shares the same views as his colleague on educating young players. During his reign, Coach Shin Tae-yong expelled many players from the national team for indiscipline.

Most recently, the strategist harshly reprimanded two young stars Marselino Ferdinan and Witan Sulaeman when they violated the eating rules during the training trip to Türkiye. This helps the young players to have a disciplined life and focus on training.