Responding to a public challenge by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) that he resign if the Indonesian national team doesn't make the finals of the ASEAN Football Federation Championship, coach (and former Aston Villa and England striker) Peter Withe insists his contract runs until November. "Ultimatums are given all the time and it is very normal to be under pressure. I just want to get on with my job and get this team prepared," he told media.
Successful in his time as coach of Thailand, Withe said more money needed to be invested in youth development in Indonesia if they ever wanted to truly succeed. "Everyone thinks that in a country of 220 million people it should be easy to find a squad of good players," he said. "But this is not the case. The philosophy must change and more money must be spent to develop young talent, but as in most countries in Asia budget constraints are a major stumbling block."
Link to: 2007 AFC Asian Cup Schedule of Matches
Successful in his time as coach of Thailand, Withe said more money needed to be invested in youth development in Indonesia if they ever wanted to truly succeed. "Everyone thinks that in a country of 220 million people it should be easy to find a squad of good players," he said. "But this is not the case. The philosophy must change and more money must be spent to develop young talent, but as in most countries in Asia budget constraints are a major stumbling block."
Link to: 2007 AFC Asian Cup Schedule of Matches