Mauricio Souza gives green light for Persija players to join Indonesian national team

Mauricio Souza, the new Persija Jakarta coach, shows positive attitude regarding player releases for Indonesian national team — a different approach from his predecessor.

This decision brings fresh air for Indonesian national team that previously faced obstacles in player releases from several clubs due to schedule conflicts with domestic competition.

This stance contrasts with Thomas Doll‘s era who about a year ago refused to release several players for U-23 Asian Cup 2024.

“No (will not release players for Indonesia U-23 national team),” Doll firmly stated when met by media at Nirwana Park, Sawangan, Depok.

At that time, five Persija players who were not released were:

• Rizky Ridho
• Muhammad Ferarri
• Rio Fahmi
• Dony Tri Pamungkas
• Rayhan Hannan