Wullems disappointed with federation
JAKARTA (JP): Former national soccer team coach Henk Wullems of the Netherlands expressed disappointment in the All Indonesian Soccer Federation, which he called "dishonest."
"I'm very disappointed and upset because the federation's officials are dishonest," said Wullems, whose contract was not extended.
Wullems said the federation's decision to replace him with local coaches was not in itself a problem, but he voiced complaint at the manner in which the situation had been handled. The federation has named Rusdy Bahalwan, coach of the Surabaya- based Persebaya club, as the new national coach.
Wullems, who guided the national team to the 19th SEA Games final last year, said he read comments attributed to the federation's secretary-general, Nugraha Besoes, suggesting that he wanted to be paid according to the recent currency rates of Rp 10,000 to the U.S. dollar.
"The federation said I don't want to be paid US$10,000 a month with a currency rate of Rp 4,000 per dollar, which is equal to Rp 40 millions a month. On the other hand, I really understand the economic turmoil in the country and I can accept the deal," he said.
He explained that the federation had also been inconsistent, asking at one stage if he would accept $5,000 a month, payable in rupiah at a rate of Rp 4,000 to the U.S. dollar.
"That's really impossible because everything is much more expensive in the Netherlands". (For example,) "I have to pay Rp 50 million (US$5,000) for an insurance policy every year. The price of soto in Indonesia is only Rp 700 while in the Netherlands it is Rp 7,000," he said.
Wullems said if the federation wanted to hire local coaches, it should tell him the truth. "Why should the officials use my salary as the reason" (for dismissal), he said emotionally.
Antara reported that Wullems and the federation had discussed plans to begin a long-term training program for the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December. Also discussed at the Feb. 5 meeting were plans to hire a Dutch coaching assistant, plans which were later canceled for financial reasons.
Wullems said Indonesia's national team had a good chance in the future. "The national team has been progressing very well. I hope it can be better in the future. I think the national team will be able to face Asian teams, unfortunately I have to say goodbye to it," he said.
Wullems will return to Bandung-based Pelita Mastrans, which he coached from 1996-97. He also coached Bandung Raya from 1995-96. Both teams are patronized by the Ministry of Transportation. He is contracted until December 1998. (yan)