IndonesiaTravelSport.com - Persija Jakarta is beginning to show the style of play Shin Tae-yong has envisioned, after completing two weeks of training camp (TC) in Thailand. However this progress also brings forward an even bigger question: is the foundation Shin has built sufficient to carry Persija to become champions of the 2026/2027 Super League?
This question was one of the main topics on the weekly ITSMe podcast, featuring football analysts Yusuf Kurniawan also known as Bung Yuke, and Rais Adnan. The podcast was held at ITSMe Studio, Sentul, Bogor on Monday (24/8/2026), hosted by Gilang Respaty and Pudila.
In this discussion, focus was directed towards the changes within Persija since Shin took over. The South Korean coach is not only constructing his squad, but also working to establish a clear playing identity built around physical demands, match intensity, pressing, positional discipline, and collective teamwork.
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Persija Training Camp in Thailand: Shin Tae-yong Focuses on Improving Physical Condition and Tactics
This process was observed throughout the Thailand TC held 10-23 August 2026. The first week was dedicated to physical improvement with twice-daily training sessions, before the programme shifted to tactical refinement in Bangkok.
Early results became visible across two trial matches. Persija won 2-1 against Police Tero on 19 August, followed by another 2-1 victory over Chiangrai United on 22 August. For Shin however, the final score was not the main benchmark. He instead assessed his players' ability to translate tactical instructions, maintain match tempo, execute ball distribution, build on-pitch chemistry, and organise structure between playing lines.
Shin even rated that Persija's playing development has already reached approximately 70-80% of his target. Even so, he continues to emphasise the critical importance of full 90-minute match stamina, proper spacing between playing lines, squad composition, and consistent execution of the intended football style.
Rizky Ridho stands out as a compelling positive example. His goal against Chiangrai United demonstrated the positive response of a player who has also built strong chemistry with his Persija teammates. Comfort within the system, mutual understanding between players, and leadership in the defensive line have all become key assets that allow Ridho to perform with growing confidence.
On the other hand, Shin's challenge is not limited to developing local players. Persija has also brought in Alexander Jeremejeff to strengthen their forward line. The Swedish striker is a new piece that must integrate quickly into Shin's playing system.
The arrival of quality players and an increasingly competitive squad has naturally raised expectations. But past experience shows that an expensively assembled squad does not automatically win titles. Shin still has to ensure all players, including foreign signings, are able to follow the demands of a playing style that prioritises collective work.
For this reason, the upcoming match against Brisbane Roar at the Jakarta International Stadium on Saturday (29/8) will be an important test. This fixture will show how much of the physical and tactical foundation built in Thailand has translated into a cohesive complete style of play before the official competition begins.
After the Brisbane Roar match, Persija will face their real test in the 2026/2027 Super League. With big targets and a tough opening schedule, Shin Tae-yong must prove that the early signs of progress are not just temporary pre-season form.
Persija may already be starting to play with the identity Shin Tae-yong wanted. But to become champions, chemistry, stamina, tactics, squad depth, and consistency will all need to hold strong once the real pressure of competitive football begins.
