Indonesian team to play FC Bayern Munchen
FC Bayern Munchen and Indonesia’s national soccer team pledged an entertaining performance for their friendly match this Wednesday.
Munchen’s coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said at a Tuesday press conference players were ready to play their best despite a tiring flight.
He said he had prepared 17 young players to take on the hosts, and hoped they could provide some “technical football lessons” to Indonesian players.
“I also hope the Indonesian footballers can perform their best so that we can score as many goals as possible,” he said.
Indonesia coach Benny Dolo said he instructed his players to fight hard in the game, which will be held at Bung Karno Stadium in Central Jakarta.
“I asked them not to overestimate Munchen even though they have world-class players,” he said.
It has been rare for a world-caliber team to visit Indonesia, he said, and he urged the players to make the most of the opportunity.
“By playing against Munchen, we will have a chance to learn modern football,” he said.
Munchen, the winner of the German League and the German Cup, will play without several starters, including Miroslav Klose, Phillips Lahm and Lucas Podolski, who are busy preparing for the Euro Championship.
Benny had yet to decide who would lead the team, although Ponaryo Astaman would seem the most likely choice.
Munchen is also expected to stop over in China and India for other friendly matches in the trip, which is part of the farewell Asian Tour by former German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
The 38-year-old has just quit the world of soccer after having been a professional player for 21 years, 14 years of which were for Munchen. Kahn resigned from the national team two years ago.
During his career with Munchen, Kahn led the club to eight German titles and a Champions League win in 2001. He was also named best goalkeeper and best player in the World Cup in 2002.
Kahn said he would take a break from soccer and had not yet planned to start a new career as a goalkeeper coach.
“I have been spending years as a footballer and it’s time for me to think of something else,” he said.
He said he planned to remain in the soccer world by being a commentator and helping the German team.
“I also hope I can get involved in football-related social actions in the near future,” he said. (The Jakarta Post)
