Ahead of New Season, PSIM Yogyakarta Coach Highlights Decline in Player Competitiveness

As the 2026/2027 season approaches, PSIM Yogyakarta's head coach, Jean-Paul van Gastel, has issued a sharp evaluation of his squad, highlighting a perceived decline in their internal competitiveness and overall mentality. The Dutch coach expressed that significant improvements are necessary for the team to perform optimally.

Van Gastel's assessment came after a practice match against fellow BRI Super League club Garudyaksa FC. He observed that the intensity of healthy competition within the squad has diminished, a situation he deems critical and requiring immediate attention from his players. The coach feels that the players' competitive drive is not meeting his expectations.

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There are many things that need to be improved. However, there is one thing I haven't mentioned yet and it seems some players haven't realized it, I have to assemble the squad. But sometimes I feel they make my decisions very easy. So, there is a deficiency, which is a lack of competitiveness among the players themselves.

"There are many things that need to be improved," Van Gastel stated, as quoted by the club's official website. He added, "However, there is one thing I haven't mentioned yet and it seems some players haven't realized it, I have to assemble the squad. But sometimes I feel they make my decisions very easy. So, there is a deficiency, which is a lack of competitiveness among the players themselves."

The coach emphasized the purpose of practice matches, explaining that they provide all players with an opportunity to play a full 90 minutes. This is crucial for enhancing fitness and implementing the team's strategies. Van Gastel hopes that the remaining pre-season time will be sufficient to address the identified shortcomings in competitiveness before the official league matches commence.

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On the basic, every friendly match aims for the players to play for 90 minutes, hone physical stamina, and try to apply the game scheme that we want.