Rahmad Darmawan reveals team weaknesses after Oxford United defeat

Rahmad Darmawan, Liga Indonesia All Star coach, highlighted the importance of international matches after his team lost 3-6 to Oxford United in the opening match of Group A Piala Presiden 2025 at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta.

This tournament features two foreign teams — Oxford United from England and Port FC from Thailand — providing valuable opportunities for local players to gain international experience.

“We started today’s match with visible hesitation in decision-making,” stated Darmawan after the match.

The experienced coach explained that his players only found their rhythm after the 25-minute mark — an indication of limited experience facing foreign teams and big match atmospheres.

“Perhaps many haven’t faced the atmosphere of playing against European teams for a while, and with many spectators present, it was clear they weren’t playing freely,” he added.