Persija Faces Deeper Decline After Thomas Doll Era

According to Bolasport.com, Persija Jakarta is currently facing a worrying situation, with the team’s performance potentially falling below that of the Thomas Doll era.

Thomas Doll managed the Macan Kemayoran for two seasons with mixed results — securing a Liga 1 runner-up finish in his first season, but slipping to eighth place in the second.

Off the pitch, Doll was also known for his outspoken criticism of PSSI and Indonesia national team coach Shin Tae-yong. As a result, the club terminated his contract early, despite one year remaining on his deal.

Carlos Pena, a coach from the La Masia academy, was brought in as a replacement, with hopes of ushering in a positive shift. His promising start came by leading Persija to the 2024 President’s Cup semifinal — a tournament previously not prioritized under Doll.