Interview with Coach Imran (Maluku United)

Introduction

• Discussion on Coach Imran's football career and transition to coaching, especially with Maluku United.

Early Career

• Grew up in Tulehu, a village 25 km from Ambon, where football is like a second religion.
• Tulehu is known for producing many football players.
• Initial career in football started with local clubs and representing Maluku in national student sports events.
• Spotted by talent scouts from Ragunan during Popnas (National Student Sports Week).

Professional Playing Career

• Started professional career with PSB Bogor while still in school at Ragunan.
• Transitioned to Persikota invited by Coach Rahmad Darmawan.
• Chose Persikota over Persija due to better opportunities for regular play.
• Played as a starter, helped Persikota reach the top 8 in 1997.

Transition to Persija

• Moved to Persija after successful stints with Persikota.
• Chose to play for Persija despite competitive environment, securing a starting position within a year.
• Won the traditional Indonesian championship title with Persija in 2001.

Move to Persib Bandung

• Transitioned to Persib Bandung, the rival club of Persija.
• Faced significant fan backlash but saw it as a professional challenge and opportunity.

Post-Playing Career

Media Role

• Worked as a football commentator from 2007-2008.
• Became a well-known commentator, working with multiple networks including BN Sports.

Coaching Career

• Decided to pursue coaching courses for deeper tactical understanding.
• Started with C license, moved up to B, and then A license during Covid.
• Became assistant coach at PSIS Semarang, later promoted to head coach.
• Utilized young, local players like Pratama Arhan and Dewangga.

Leading Maluku United

• Joined Maluku United with a passionate vision to raise the club's profile and develop local talent.
• Accepted the challenge of coaching in Liga 1 with high expectations from management and fans.

Team Building

• Emphasized on securing experienced players and integrating local talent.
• Signed notable players like Yabes Roni and Sylvano Comvalius.
• Focused on rigorous training and instilling a winning mentality in the team.

Challenges and Strategies

• Faced logistical challenges as the team homed in Cikarang and Madura instead of Ternate.
• Advocated for balancing between young talents and experienced players.

Vision for Maluku United

• Stadiums being built signify long-term commitment.
• Targets maintaining Liga 1 status while building a strong team foundation.

Reflections on Indonesian Football

National Team

• Praised current national team and the mix of local and naturalized players.
• Emphasized need to develop local strikers post-era of legendary players like Bambang Pamungkas.

Liga 1

• Discussed the benefits of having eight foreign players to boost league competitiveness.
• Stressed the importance of careful financial management for long-term club sustainability.

Closing Thoughts

• Coach Imran sees the future of Maluku United positively, aiming to compete strongly in Liga 1.
• Emphasizes professionalism and hard work both on and off the field to achieve success.

Published by: Liputan Sport

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