Kolev sees new challenges in Indonesia
Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Newly-recruited Indonesian soccer coach Ivan Venko Kolev says he accepted the job because he wanted new challenges after six years with the Bulgarian U-20 team.
"There is no more challenge. This is a new challenge for me and I am keen to take it," Kolev told a press conference through an interpreter at the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) headquarters here on Monday.
Kolev has signed a one-year contract, the value of which remains secret.
His partnership with PSSI means he returns to Jakarta after a one-season spell with Jakarta-based Persija in 1999.
His first test ahead with the national team will be in the next three months when Indonesia and Singapore co-hosting the Tiger Cup, an annual soccer tournament among Southeast Asian nations.
Despite not being spoken outright, the message is clear that PSSI is looking for the top place in August's tournament.
PSSI's secretary general Tri Goestoro said Kolev's future with the team depended on its success.
"We have not reached such a suggestion as yet that failure means removal. We must see how the team fares," he said, adding that in the long run the Bulgarian was likely to switch to the U- 21 team if deemed eligible.
"We will evaluate his performance. Then we decide if he is suitable to train the U-21 team," he said.
Kolev, 44, looked aware of the tough task ahead and PSSI's expectation that success in the Tiger Cup would be important for his career.
"But not becoming a champion does not mean its over," he said.
He said it was not a major snag that he would not be able to see all the potential players in action before the tournament.
"I will ask PSSI's officials to help prepare the team," he added.
Kolev also rang a change in play format, but not in the near future as PSSI suggested.
"I don't understand why the Indonesian national team uses a 3- 5-2 format. It is often used by a team with high individual skills," Kolev said, adding he was pondering a 6-3-1.
Tri, however, wanted Kolev to carry out his plan after the Tiger Cup.
After playing for a number of clubs, all in Bulgaria, Kolev quit as a player in 1986. He was assistant coach of the national team between 1994 and 1997.
He moved to Indonesia in 1999. Although he only guided the team to the semifinals, PSSI believed the brief stint was a success with Tri saying Kolev succeeded in building a team with strong character.
Persija won the championship in the following two years.