"Brainwashing" the Indonesian U22 team before their match against Myanmar at the SEA Games.

Team leader Sumardji affirmed that he will apply what he calls "brainwashing" to boost the morale of the Indonesian U22 team before their crucial match against Myanmar U22 in the final round of Group C at the 2025 SEA Games, following their shocking defeat against the Philippines U22. This plan is considered the main focus, alongside professional preparation, with the goal of erasing trauma, overcoming self-doubt, and rekindling fighting spirit.

Brainwashing therapy: how Sumardji restored the team's form.

Speaking to the media, Sumardji emphasized that the number one priority is restoring the players' mental state: "In football, strategy isn't just about what happens on the field. The first thing is how to lift their spirits. We started by taking them out to eat their favorite foods, creating a relaxed atmosphere so they could forget the difficult situation and the recent defeat. I see that they are gradually regaining their balance."

According to the plan, the coaching staff will organize personalized conversations, divided by position from goalkeeper to forward, to "cleanse" the mindset and address psychological bottlenecks specific to their roles on the field. The goal is to bring the players back to a state of readiness for competition, replacing sluggishness with fierce determination.

• Restore positive emotions through outdoor activities (eating favorite food, relaxing atmosphere).
• Psychological intervention is group-based and focuses on specific issues.
• Reiterate the standards of competition and fighting spirit, aiming to "forget" the defeat and focus on the next match.

Message from the team leader

Sumardji clearly stated his expectations regarding mental intensity: "We will delve deep into the minds and hearts of the players. Everyone has been assigned specific tasks to recharge their spirits, to fill the hearts and minds of the players. We will 'brainwash' them to ensure that starting tomorrow, everyone will take to the field with more than 100% fighting spirit."

He also considered psychological intervention as a parallel step alongside professional adjustments, aiming to ensure players enter crucial matches with maximum alertness and concentration.

The significance of the match against U22 Myanmar for the standings in Group C.

The match against U22 Myanmar is described as a "life-or-death" game for U22 Indonesia. Coach Indra Sjafri's team needs three points and aims for a large margin of victory, while also awaiting the results from Group B to keep their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals alive. In this situation, overcoming psychological pressure is considered a prerequisite for implementing tactical strategies.

Tactical aspects from a psychological perspective

Although tactical details weren't revealed, the positional group structure suggests the coaching staff wants to readjust roles and confidence in each line. For goalkeepers and defenders, the focus is typically on composure and decision-making; for midfield, it's on tempo and organization; and for forwards, it's on finishing ability and a proactive mindset. This "cleansing" of mindset within each group could create a more cohesive structure as the team aims for a resounding victory.

From a psychological standpoint, the Indonesian U22 team needs a stable start to avoid repeating the mistakes made after the shock defeat against the Philippines U22. A positive mental state will help them focus on the game principles, reduce errors, and increase the intensity of their pressing, which is necessary to control the match against Myanmar U22.