Indonesian players banned from using social media before facing Vietnam U19

Indonesia U19 players restrict social media usage to prevent pressure before crucial games with Vietnam U19.

On the eve of the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship, coach Nova Arianto specifically asked Indonesia U19 players to limit social media use to maintain maximum focus. The 46-year-old coach believes this factor can directly affect the young players' competitive psychology. According to him, comments, pressure, or expectations from outside sometimes become major obstacles, causing players to lose focus on professional goals.

Sharing with Indonesian media, coach Nova Arianto stressed that he has repeatedly reminded his students about this issue. "Social media can become very dangerous for players. That is what I want to control so they keep their focus during this tournament," said the Indonesian tactician. He hopes the players will maintain concentration throughout their journey competing at home.

Furthermore, Coach Nova Arianto also does not want players to feel pressured by the defending champion status of the Indonesia U19 team. Although admitting that the championship is the team's goal, he believes that only thinking about the title can cause players to lose focus on each specific match.

"Certainly, the championship is what we all want. But I don't want the players to only think about that. The most important thing is to focus on the process to achieve the goal," shared coach Nova Arianto. He asks the whole team to direct their attention to each opponent rather than thinking too far ahead to the final.

According to the strategist who was once an assistant to coach Shin Tae-yong on the Indonesian national team, the pressure of expectations from fans is inevitable for every national team. Playing at home makes Indonesia U19 receive even more attention. However, he sees this as normal and something players need to adapt to.

At the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship, Indonesia U19 is in Group A along with Myanmar, Timor Leste, and Vietnam U19. The host team will start their campaign with a match against Myanmar on June 1, before meeting Timor Leste and Vietnam U19 respectively. Among these, Vietnam U19 is considered the toughest opponent in the competition for a ticket to the next round of the group.