Shin Tae-yong States Persija's Game Performance Was Nearly Perfect, Jeremejeff Becomes The New Puzzle

Jakarta -  Persija Jakarta concluded their training camp in Thailand with on-pitch development that is now increasingly aligned with Shin Tae-yong's expectations. The South Korean head coach observed that multiple principles built over the two-week training period have started to be implemented by the players during match play.

Persija wrapped up the training camp with a 2-1 victory over Chiangrai United at the Alpine Training Football Camp, Bangkok, Saturday (22/8/2026). Goals from Arlyansyah Abdulmanan and Rizky Ridho secured a positive end to Macan Kemayoran's Thailand itinerary.

Prior to this, Persija had also recorded a 2-1 win against Police Tero on 19 August. For Shin Tae-yong however, match results were never the primary benchmark. Instead, the coaching staff's core focus was how the players translated the team's tactical concepts onto the pitch.

“The team's performance was very good. Players' passing timing, match tempo, almost every aspect was satisfactory,” stated Shin Tae-yong, as quoted from Persija's official website on 23 August 2026.

Shin noted that chemistry both between individual players and across playing lines has grown stronger. Defensive organisation is now able to respond well to opposition pressure, while ball distribution to build attacking moves is operating according to plan.

This progress did not come instantly. During the first week of the training camp, Persija was put through an intensive physical conditioning programme. Players completed two training sessions each day to build fitness and endurance, before training focus shifted to refining the team's playing system.

These improvements began to show on the pitch during the match against Chiangrai United. Shin assessed that tempo control and decision-making accuracy when circulating the ball had improved noticeably.

Persija's next challenge will be sustaining this progress upon their return to Jakarta. Shin highlighted player physical condition as one of the most critical factors, as the squad must be able to maintain high-intensity play for the full 90 minutes.

“The players' condition is arguably the most important thing. Then there is the style of football we want to play, our passing timing, and the base stamina each player needs to run for 90 minutes,” Shin explained.

Beyond that, squad composition and spacing between playing lines also require continued refinement. Shin wants all these elements to become a consistent part of Persija's play ahead of the upcoming Super League campaign.

Persija is also strengthening their squad through the signing of Alexander Jeremejeff. The Swedish striker has officially joined Macan Kemayoran on a two-year contract.

Jeremejeff arrives with extensive European football experience. He has previously represented Swedish clubs BK Häcken and Malmö FF, played in Germany with Dynamo Dresden, spent a loan spell at FC Twente in the Netherlands, and also featured for Greek sides Panathinaikos and PAOK.

The 32-year-old forward was also the Allsvenskan top goalscorer in 2022 with 22 goals. With Panathinaikos, he won the Greek Cup title in 2024. Jeremejeff also earned one senior cap for the Swedish national team in 2019.

Jeremejeff's arrival is expected to address Persija's needs up front. Shin Tae-yong stated the striker will resolve the long-held supporter concerns regarding Persija's centre forward position.

“He is a very capable striker. I believe with Alex joining us, the worries our fans have had about the striker position will be resolved,” Shin added.

Following the conclusion of their Thailand training camp, Persija are scheduled to face Brisbane Roar in a friendly match at the Jakarta International Stadium, North Jakarta, Saturday (29/8). This match will also serve as the official launch event for Persija's new squad and new Adidas kit.

After this, the real test for the playing system Shin Tae-yong is building will arrive with official competitive fixtures. Persija will open their 2026/2027 Super League season against Borneo FC at Segiri Stadium, Samarinda, on 5 September.

The two victories secured in Thailand serve as an early foundation. However, Shin Tae-yong's work is far from complete. He must now ensure that the chemistry, match tempo, ball distribution, defensive organisation, and physical condition built during the training camp remains consistent once Persija enters official competition.