Piala Presiden 2025 format still draws criticism like in Thomas Doll era

The criticism once voiced by Thomas Doll about the congested Piala Presiden schedule remains relevant today — the 2025 tournament format only provides two days between group phase and final matches.

The former Persija Jakarta coach who also managed Borussia Dortmund before Juergen Klopp’s era — first expressed his concerns in 2022 while leading the capital city team.

Facing the tight schedule of this preseason tournament, Doll took an unconventional step by fielding two different teams.

“This overly packed schedule is very risky for the team. We don’t want any more players getting injured,” stated the East German coach at that time.

“I’m grateful to the club management for allowing the use of two different teams in this tournament,” he added.

Although three years have passed since that criticism — this PSSI-organized tournament format hasn’t undergone significant changes in terms of match scheduling.