Former Indonesia National Team Coach Shin Tae-yong Reveals Alarming VO2 Max Levels of Players Equivalent to Elementary School Children in 2020

Jakarta, Indonesia – April 16, 2026 – Shin Tae-yong (STY), the acclaimed former head coach of the Indonesia National Football Team, has unveiled startling insights into the physical condition of players when he first took the helm in 2020, describing their VO2 max levels as significantly below professional standards, shockingly comparable to those of elementary school children. This revelation, made during an interview on the popular YouTube channel Vindes, sheds light on the profound challenges faced by the South Korean tactician at the onset of his tenure and underscores the transformative impact he subsequently had on Indonesian football.

Shin Tae-yong, appointed in December 2019 with a mandate to revitalize Indonesian football across all age groups, embarked on a comprehensive assessment of the squad’s capabilities. His initial findings, particularly concerning the players’ aerobic fitness, proved to be a critical turning point. VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is a crucial physiological metric that measures the maximum rate at which the body can consume oxygen during intense exercise. It is a direct indicator of an individual’s cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic endurance, qualities indispensable for professional footballers who must sustain high-intensity efforts over 90 minutes or more.

"When I first conducted a mid-test during the national team’s training camp, a professional player’s average VO2 max should typically be above 60. However, when tested, many of our players were only below 30, with some reaching merely 35," Shin Tae-yong recounted, as quoted by VIVA.co.id from the Vindes interview. He further elaborated on the alarming implications of these figures, stating, "Usually, a VO2 max of 30 is typical for elementary and junior high school-level players. For high school athletes, it might be in the range of 40-50." This stark comparison painted a grim picture of the physical readiness of Indonesia’s top footballers at the time, suggesting a fundamental deficiency in their foundational fitness.

For context, elite professional footballers in top leagues often boast VO2 max scores ranging from 60 to 75 ml/kg/min. Midfielders, who cover the most ground, and defenders, who often engage in explosive sprints and repeated efforts, typically require superior aerobic capacity. Even a score in the mid-50s is considered good for a professional athlete. The figures cited by Shin Tae-yong, falling below 35, indicate a severe lack of endurance that would undoubtedly compromise a player’s ability to execute tactical instructions, maintain intensity throughout a match, and recover effectively between high-effort sequences. Such low levels would inevitably lead to early fatigue, increased susceptibility to injuries, and a diminished capacity for critical decision-making under pressure.

Shin Tae-yong attributed this dire physical state to a prevailing lack of discipline and a general aversion to rigorous physical training among some players. "These players were indeed lazy to run and easily gave up," he stated, hinting at a cultural issue within Indonesian football that prioritized skill over stamina, or perhaps a lack of understanding regarding the interconnectedness of both in modern football. This assessment highlighted a significant challenge that extended beyond mere physical conditioning; it pointed to a deeply ingrained mindset that needed urgent rectification.

The Road to Reform: Shin Tae-yong’s Transformative Approach

Upon recognizing the gravity of the situation, Shin Tae-yong understood that a radical overhaul was necessary. His strategy went beyond conventional coaching; it involved a comprehensive "squad regeneration" that prioritized not only talent but also, crucially, an unwavering commitment to physical excellence and professional discipline. This marked a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the Indonesian national team.

Chronology of Reform and Achievements:

• December 2019: Shin Tae-yong is officially appointed head coach of the Indonesia National Team.
• Early 2020: Initial training camps are held, during which the revealing VO2 max tests are conducted. The findings solidify STY’s conviction that fundamental changes are required. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupts plans but also provides an extended period for reflection and planning.
• Late 2020 – Early 2021: As football activities resume, STY begins implementing his regeneration strategy. He starts phasing out older players who struggle to meet the new physical demands and introduces a core group of younger, more dynamic players. This period sees the emergence of talents like Asnawi Mangkualam, Pratama Arhan, Rizky Ridho, Witan Sulaeman, and Egy Maulana Vikri, who would become cornerstones of his new-look squad.
• Training Philosophy: STY’s training methodology was notoriously demanding. He introduced high-intensity interval training (HIIT), rigorous strength and conditioning programs, and strict dietary and recovery protocols. His sessions were designed to push players to their physical limits, replicating the intensity of top-tier international football. He also placed a strong emphasis on tactical discipline, ensuring players understood their roles and responsibilities within a structured system. This holistic approach aimed to transform not just their physical capabilities but also their professional mindset.
• Piala AFF 2020 (played December 2021 – January 2022): Despite fielding a predominantly young and inexperienced squad, Indonesia defied expectations by reaching the final of the AFF Championship. They ultimately finished as runner-up, but the tournament showcased a remarkable improvement in stamina, tactical coherence, and fighting spirit, signaling the early successes of STY’s reforms. The team’s ability to maintain high energy levels deep into matches, a stark contrast to previous iterations, was a testament to the enhanced physical conditioning.
• AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualification (June 2022): A significant milestone was achieved when Indonesia secured qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. This was particularly historic, as it marked the nation’s return to Asia’s premier football tournament after a 16-year absence (excluding their automatic qualification as hosts in 2007). A crucial 2-1 victory over Kuwait in the qualifiers highlighted the team’s growing maturity and resilience.
• AFC Asian Cup 2023 Performance (January 2024): Under STY’s guidance, Indonesia made history by advancing to the Round of 16 for the very first time. Despite being drawn in a challenging group, the team’s disciplined performances and improved physical prowess allowed them to compete effectively against higher-ranked opponents. This achievement resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, demonstrating the tangible progress made.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (2023-2024): Continuing their upward trajectory, the national team also made unprecedented progress in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the Asian zone. They successfully navigated through the second round, securing a historic berth in the third round. This marked the furthest Indonesia had ever advanced in World Cup qualification in the modern era, fueling dreams of a global stage appearance.
• AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 & Olympic Playoff (April-May 2024): Shin Tae-yong simultaneously managed the U-23 national team, leading them to an equally impressive performance. The U-23 squad reached the semifinals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup and subsequently qualified for the playoff match against Guinea for a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Although they narrowly missed out on the Olympic berth, this journey underscored the depth of talent being nurtured and the consistency of STY’s development philosophy across age groups.

These achievements were not merely coincidental. They were a direct result of the foundational changes Shin Tae-yong implemented, chief among them being the dramatic improvement in the players’ physical condition and their adherence to a disciplined, professional regimen. The ability to press effectively, transition quickly, and maintain intensity throughout grueling matches became hallmarks of his teams.

Official and Expert Reactions: Confirming the Need for Change

While no direct statements from PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) officials regarding Shin Tae-yong’s specific VO2 max revelations have been publicly issued following his interview, his initial appointment and the subsequent support for his rigorous methods implicitly acknowledge the underlying issues he identified. PSSI’s decision to hire a coach of STY’s caliber, with a reputation for strict discipline and modern footballing principles, signaled their recognition of the need for fundamental change within the national team setup. The governing body likely viewed STY’s early assessments as validation of their decision, empowering him to implement his ambitious reform agenda.

Sports scientists and football physiologists would universally concur with Shin Tae-yong’s emphasis on VO2 max as a critical performance indicator. Dr. Asep Ramdani, a prominent sports scientist in Indonesia (hypothetically), might comment: "Shin Tae-yong’s findings in 2020 highlight a common challenge in developing football nations. Physical conditioning is the bedrock upon which tactical and technical skills are built. Without adequate aerobic capacity, even the most talented players cannot execute modern football strategies effectively. His approach to systematically improve this aspect aligns perfectly with international best practices in sports science."

From the players’ perspective, the initial shock and resistance to STY’s intense training were well-documented. However, as the team began to register positive results and players experienced personal improvements in their stamina and overall performance, an understanding and acceptance of his methods grew. Players like Asnawi Mangkualam, who flourished under STY’s tutelage, often spoke about the demanding but ultimately beneficial nature of the training, which prepared them for higher levels of competition, including opportunities abroad. The transformation was not just physical but also mental, fostering a culture of resilience and professionalism.

The End of an Era and a Lasting Legacy

Despite the remarkable progress and numerous historic achievements, Shin Tae-yong’s journey with the Indonesia National Team concluded on January 6, 2025. PSSI opted to not renew his contract, subsequently appointing Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert as his successor. The decision, while marking the end of a transformative era, was met with mixed reactions from fans who largely lauded STY’s impact.

Shin Tae-yong leaves behind an indelible legacy that extends far beyond individual match results. His most profound contribution was arguably the complete recalibration of the physical and mental standards within Indonesian football.

• Foundation for Future Success: He instilled a culture where physical fitness is non-negotiable, laying a robust foundation for future national teams. The players who trained under him now possess a significantly higher baseline of endurance and discipline.
• Changed Mindset: STY successfully challenged and shifted the prevailing mindset regarding professionalism, training intensity, and dedication among Indonesian footballers. He demonstrated that local talent, when properly conditioned and guided, could compete at higher levels.
• Youth Development Blueprint: His success with the U-23 squad provided a clear blueprint for youth development, emphasizing early physical conditioning and tactical education.
• Performance Benchmarks: He set new, ambitious benchmarks for the national team’s performance in regional and continental competitions, proving that Indonesia could not only compete but also achieve historic results.
• Increased Visibility and Respect: Under his leadership, the Indonesian national team gained increased respect and recognition on the international stage, attracting more attention and investment into the country’s football ecosystem.

The challenges for his successor, Patrick Kluivert, are significant. Kluivert inherits a squad that is physically far superior to the one STY encountered in 2020. However, he also faces the immense pressure of building upon STY’s impressive legacy and continuing the upward trajectory, particularly with the ambitious goal of reaching the FIFA World Cup. The foundation of fitness, discipline, and tactical awareness established by Shin Tae-yong will undoubtedly be a crucial asset for Kluivert as he navigates the demanding landscape of international football.

Broader Implications for Indonesian Football

Shin Tae-yong’s tenure has had far-reaching implications for Indonesian football as a whole. His revelations and subsequent reforms have ignited a crucial conversation about the fundamental aspects of player development and professionalism.

• Raising Standards in Liga 1: The elevated standards within the national team are likely to exert pressure on clubs in Indonesia’s top-tier league, Liga 1, to invest more in sports science, physical conditioning, and professional player management. Clubs that fail to adapt risk having their players fall short of national team requirements.
• Investment in Sports Science: The emphasis on data-driven approaches, such as VO2 max testing, will likely encourage greater adoption of sports science departments within clubs and academies, moving away from anecdotal training methods.
• Focus on Youth Academies: There is a renewed focus on developing physically robust and disciplined players from a young age within youth academies. The understanding that foundational fitness cannot be rushed is now more prevalent.
• Sustainable Progress: For Indonesia to achieve sustained success on the international stage, it is imperative that the principles and standards established by Shin Tae-yong are not only maintained but continually built upon. This requires a long-term vision from PSSI, consistent investment, and a collective commitment from all stakeholders in Indonesian football to prioritize player welfare, professional development, and scientific training methodologies.

Shin Tae-yong’s candid disclosure regarding the physical state of Indonesian players in 2020 serves as a powerful reminder of the starting point of a remarkable transformation. His tenure was a testament to the fact that with vision, discipline, and relentless effort, even the most fundamental deficiencies can be overcome, paving the way for unprecedented success and a brighter future for Indonesian football.