Psychological Aspects Become Considerations in Choosing BRI Indonesia LKG Trainers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — After completing two stages of player selection for the Liga Kompas U-14 Powered by BRI 2024-2025, the preparation of the LKG BRI Indonesia team for the 2025 Gothia Cup continues with the screening of coaches. In addition to technical skills on the field, psychological aspects are also being considered for the first time in selecting the best coach to manage the team.

A total of 16 coaches from each team participating in the Kompas League were first screened by talent scouts, Team 11. The screening was conducted by assessing their technical abilities on the field, particularly in leading the team during the 11 weeks of the Kompas League.

Subsequently, six coaches were selected to undergo further selection in the form of psychological ability tests at the Kompas Gramedia Building, Central Jakarta, Thursday (27/2/2025). In the selection process involving psychologists from the Sports Psychologists Association (IPO), the coaches completed several tests to measure various aspects, ranging from intelligence to emotional management.

"In addition to what has been seen on the field by the talent scout team, there are also intangible things, which psychologically can be brought to the surface. With psychological tests, we talk about the real potential of these coaches. Their potential will emerge under what conditions or in what situations," said IPO Secretary General Taru Guritna.

Taru stated that there are at least four qualities sought in a coach based on the results of these tests. First, a coach who possesses good comprehension and analytical skills. This aspect is important as it relates to how a coach formulates strategies and solves problems within the team.

Then, a coach must possess leadership and communication skills. This is because a coach not only builds the team but also leads it. The team being led is even more challenging as it consists of young players.

The fourth quality sought is a coach who can manage emotions, including handling pressure during difficult situations. Moreover, pressure will always arise in football matches, especially in tournaments like the Gothia Cup.

In the last session, after the trainers were busy working on paper tests for hours, they were invited to do a group interview. The trainers were given material called point of view cards.

From all the tests, we will gain a nearly complete picture, "getting to know" what this coach is like, as well as providing feedback to him on areas that need improvement and aspects that are his strengths.

The atmosphere became lively as the coaches took turns telling stories about the cards they chose and their relevance to themselves. Not infrequently, other coaches also responded.

"From all the tests, we will see a picture that is close to complete, 'getting to know' what this coach is like, and also being able to give him input on things that need to be fixed and things that are his strengths. So the psychological test process is not just for selection, but the purpose is also for profiling, for us to help him develop himself," said Taru.

Persib Bogor Academy Coach, Ajat Sudrajat, who participated in the selection process, said that the psychological test was a new thing for him when he became a tactician. Ajat did not even consider it as part of the selection process because he felt he gained a lot of lessons and experience, especially about knowing himself.

Similar things were conveyed by One Way SS coach, TB Wahyudiansyah. Regardless of the results of the selection later, said TB Wahyudiansyah, the psychological assessment will be useful for him in handling the team.

"This is very useful for coaches because we can get to know ourselves, motivate ourselves, so that we can ultimately motivate the team more. This means that before getting to know the players, motivating them, the coach gets to know and motivates himself first," said TB Wahyudiansyah.

Since the 2023-2024 season, Kompas League has indeed presented a new breakthrough by involving sports psychologists to help players bring out their best potential. Psychologists are also involved in providing understanding to parents and coaches as two important components in player development.

Kompas U-14 League Director Emilius Caesar Alexey said, starting this season, psychologists are also involved in the coach selection process. Because, Kompas U-14 League realizes that based on experience in participating in previous Gothia Cup editions, the coach's psychological factor also determines the quality of the team.

"The condition of the coach, including his psychological condition, is also very crucial in the team when participating in the Gothia Cup. Therefore, we also involve psychologists to find the best coach to bring the team to victory," said Caesar.