Coach Shin Tae Yong officially addresses rumors about returning to lead the Indonesia national team

South Korean coach Shin Tae Yong recently spoke out to refute rumors that he would come back to coach the Indonesia national team.

Shin Tae Yong's name resurfaced after Indonesia failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Garuda squad was eliminated in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers following two consecutive losses, 2-3 against Saudi Arabia and 0-1 against Iraq. This outcome led to the official dismissal of coach Patrick Kluivert.

This also fueled rumors within the fan community that Shin Tae Yong might return to Indonesia. A large portion of Indonesian supporters even launched campaigns urging PSSI to reappoint Shin Tae Yong, who had laid the foundation for the revival of football in the archipelago.

Under the guidance of the Korean strategist, Indonesia once drew with Australia and even defeated Saudi Arabia, achievements that Kluivert failed to replicate. However, Shin Tae Yong has denied all speculation about returning to coach the Indonesian national team. In an interview with KBS News on October 13, Coach Shin clearly stated: “I want to make it very clear that, the rumors about my reappointment as head coach of the Indonesia national team are completely false.”

The former South Korean national team coach also mentioned his dismissal from Ulsan Hyundai FC. He stated that he disagrees with the opinion that his football philosophy “does not fit with Korean football culture”.

“I believe my failure was due to not fully understanding the internal situation of the club,” Shin shared. “But I completely reject, not even 1%, the claim that my tactics are unsuitable for the K League.”

Coach Shin also took this opportunity to counter some opinions in Korea that he did not achieve significant success while working in Indonesia:

“They often underestimate my time leading the Indonesia national team, but think about it, how could a team ranked 127th in the world defeat Saudi Arabia and draw with Australia? That was not luck,” he said.

The 55-year-old coach also expressed regret for not receiving adequate support from Ulsan Hyundai’s management. “If the club had truly backed me, Ulsan would have definitely finished the season in the top 6,” he affirmed.

Although denying the rumors of a comeback, Shin Tae Yong still spoke warmly about Indonesian football, where he spent many years and helped elevate the national team. While he has no plans to return at this time, given his deep affection and the legacy he left behind, the door remains open for Coach Shin Tae Yong to reunite with Indonesian football someday.