Indonesia U23 Coach: 'We lost, but we gave it our all'

After losing to U23 Vietnam in the final of U23 Southeast Asia 2025, coach Gerald Vanenburg affirmed that he was proud of his players' performance.

Coach Gerald Vanenburg is proud of the performance of U23 Indonesia. Photo: Bola Sport .

“I think it was a difficult match. We had chances, but we conceded a goal from a set piece. However, the players played their best. I am proud of them,” the head coach of Indonesia U23 shared after the 0-1 loss on the evening of July 29 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. “We won together and lost together. I don’t blame anyone. This is football.”

Although they could not bring home the championship, Mr. Vanenburg still appreciated the efforts and fighting spirit of the team from the archipelago. He said that U23 Indonesia played with discipline and followed the right tactics, even though they had never used that formation before.

“The important thing is that the players know what they have to do on the pitch. We have done well but we need to improve our ability to score goals. That is football, you have to take your chances to score goals,” added the Dutch strategist.

Throughout the 90 minutes, the home team created a number of dangerous opportunities, especially towards the end of the match, but were unable to capitalize. Mr. Vanenburg admitted that the team lacked the necessary composure at decisive moments and that the substitution was also intended to help Indonesia attack better.

In addition, the head coach of U23 Indonesia also thanked the fans: “The cheering spirit from the stands today was wonderful. The fans have given the players more motivation. I am grateful to everyone who has supported the team.”

When asked about the 33rd SEA Games, he said that this was not his task. “I was assigned to be in charge of the U23 Asian qualifiers, and I will devote all my efforts to that goal. We will come back stronger.”

With their physical style of play, U23 Indonesia caused many difficulties for U23 Vietnam. However, the only goal conceded from a free kick in the 37th minute caused them to miss out on the regional title once again.

Source: https://znews.vn/hlv-u23-indonesia-chung-toi-thua-nhung-da-cong-hien-het-minh-post1572657.html