BRI Indonesia LKG Team Sharpens Tiki-Taka Ahead of Gothia Cup

TANGERANG SELATAN, KOMPAS — In the midst of efforts to improve the physical condition of the players, the LKG BRI Indonesia team, which will compete in the Gothia Cup 2025, has begun to prepare game tactics. Short passes reminiscent of the Spanish style, tiki-taka, will be the essence of the gameplay to be presented at the world's largest youth football tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden, next July.

Head Coach of LKG BRI Indonesia, Tb Wahyudin Syah, is training 15 of his non-goalkeeper players to enhance their quick short passing skills with one to two touches. This became the main focus of the training session on Saturday (17/5/2025) afternoon, at the Kera Sakti Field, South Tangerang, Banten.

In fact, the LKG BRI Indonesia team consists of 18 players consisting of two goalkeepers and 16 outfield players. However, in this Saturday's training, striker Rayina Pamungkas was absent. The top scorer of the Kompas U-14 Powered by BRI League 2024-2025 is suffering from illness.

The first training session began with a combination of short passes. The players were divided into three small groups, each consisting of four players. Only 11 players participated in the first session because four players, namely Puma Nandhito, Dimas Anggara, Radithya Javas Nugraha, and Milito Setiawan Sitompul, arrived late. They only arrived on the field 23 minutes after the training started.

In the next session, the small group was expanded to include five players. During the practice, Wahyu instructed his trainees to maintain the intensity of passing speed and the active movement of players after releasing short passes.

Wahyu further expanded the small group of players in the third session. The players were divided into two groups. Four players were positioned in the center as a simulation of those controlling the team's gameplay.

Of the four players, they used two different colored vests, green and orange. The remaining four players formed a circle that served as pass receivers.

When the orange player has the ball, they are free to pass to the rebounder or to a teammate of the same vest color. The two players in different vest colors press the player who has the ball.

After that, the short passing drill was conducted using half of the field. A total of 15 players were divided into two groups. One team wore green vests, while the other team used blue training jerseys.

In that session, Wahyu observed his trainees to utilize the spaces on the field to pass the ball to their teammates. On the other hand, the training also tested the players' ability to make precise decisions, particularly in determining the target teammate for the pass.

"It's important to scan to see the opponent's position. After passing, don't be lazy to move. A maximum of two touches to move the ball, you also open up space," Wahyu shouted from the center circle of the field while watching his players.

After an hour of practicing the tiki-taka style, Wahyu trained his team on finishing schemes. He divided the players back into two groups. Seven players were positioned as wingers, while the remaining players, positioned as central midfielders and center-backs, joined one group.

The winger group first made a cutback or cross. Then, the other group finished the opportunity by directing a one-touch shot towards the goalkeeper, Fikri Pratama Gunawa or Fazil Darvesh.

Before releasing the pass, the player must run quickly or sprint from the center line of the field. Likewise, the receiving player must also sprint to avoid missing the moment to welcome their teammate's cross.

During the training session, Wahyu repeatedly shouted at his players for running too slowly. The players also received feedback from Wahyu due to inaccurate crosses and a lack of effort, resulting in the ball's pace during passes being very slow. One of the players who received feedback from Wahyu was Puma.

Players positioned as central midfielders and center-backs often struggle to match the sprinting speed of wingers, such as Muhammad Fadlan, Abdalrahman Yakoub, and Oksal Kristian Gani. One defender who can run at a constant speed and complete passes effectively is Abdullah Husain.

The players are also trained to execute positive transition schemes. A small group consisting of three players passes the ball among themselves from the center of the field, then they create a moment to take a shot at the goal.

Wahyu revealed that the training session undertaken by his team is still focused on improving physical abilities. Nevertheless, he wrapped the training with a scheme of short passes that essentially forces the players to display high mobility.

Not to forget, the finishing drill also combines tactical and physical schemes. This is crucial for fast break tactics or counterattacks.

"Physical training remains the most important. Physical fitness is crucial for the players. However, I am making adjustments by also incorporating tactical training. We must prepare tactics as the tournament is approaching," said Wahyu, who coaches Oneway Soccer School in the Kompas League this season.

Fadlan is enthusiastic about the training session he and his teammates are undergoing. "I am very excited to participate in today's training. I hope our skills can continue to develop so that we can perform at our best in Sweden," he said.