As the sun sank below the horizon that evening in the opulent executive room of the PSSI, located in the bustling area of Senayan, the atmosphere was thick and oppressive, reminiscent of tropical fog gently enveloping the vibrant Jakarta sky. An elegant, round table crafted from long, robust mahogany stood majestically in the center of the room, its rich hue gleaming softly in the dim, warm light cast by a sparkling crystal chandelier hanging gracefully overhead. Seated around this table were twelve authoritative figures from the PSSI, including prominent personalities such as Erick Thohir, who held the esteemed position of chairman, and Dito Ariotedjo, a high-ranking minister deeply involved in the football scene. Among them were celebrated former players like Bambang Pamungkas and Ponaryo Astaman, whose legendary careers in football brought a storied history to the discussion. Also present were respected local football luminaries like Seto Nurdiyana and Jacksen F. dos Santos, both of whom were seasoned coaches with years of experience behind them. The air conditioning worked tirelessly to maintain a chill in the room, which stood in stark contrast to the palpable tension that simmered among the assembled members—black coffee cups laid scattered, alongside empty mineral water bottles, amid Arief's chaotic array of hybrid proposal papers that cluttered the tabletop.
At the far end of the table sat Arief, who wore a fitted PSSI tracksuit that seemed to symbolize his commitment to the organization. In the back row, Natalia and Sari sat quietly, their eyes keenly observing the proceedings as steadfast members of Arief's family support team. In the corner of the room, a video call screen flickered to life, displaying Valery Karpin and Sergey Galitsky Jr. appearing remotely from the snowy climes of Krasnodar. Both men exhibited serious expressions; Karpin's face radiated a stern demeanor, suggesting he was prepared to confront a challenging pre-season ahead.
The meeting, which held the weight of the future of Indonesian football, was commenced by Erick Thohir, who commanded the room with his authoritative presence. "Esteemed executives," he began, his voice steady, "we are presented with a crucial opportunity, as Arief Rahman stands as the top candidate to assume the role of head coach for the national team. The clinic he organized recently was nothing short of phenomenal, inspiring around 1,200 coaches, journalists, and members of the public who attended. However, the hybrid proposal that Arief has submitted, which embraces a dual commitment—managing senior responsibilities at Krasnodar in the RPL from July to May, while also overseeing the national team in June and throughout the qualifiers—has stirred doubts among local coaches who demand a clear and singular focus: 'We ask for full commitment to the national team or consider stepping away.' Mr. Arief, we would appreciate hearing your perspective on this matter."
Arief, upon hearing the weight of the question, rose with resolve, his voice resonating with a firm yet respectful tone towards his audience, "Mr. Erick, Mr. Minister, and esteemed legends and colleagues of the national team—I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to lead the national team as head coach. This has been a long-cherished dream of mine since childhood. However, after thorough discussions with my family, my club, and relevant authorities at the Russian Ministry, I must convey that I am unable to take on this position at this moment. I have existing commitments that I must honor first in Krasnodar and at the Unity Academy in Russia."
A heavy silence enveloped the room as his decision registered, leaving the executives momentarily taken aback. Bambang Pamungkas furrowed his brow, curiosity dancing in his eyes as he said, "Not yet? Mr. Arief, for us, you are a belated hero of Indonesia—why would you turn down the chance to lead the national team, a dream we all share?"
Arief continued, addressing the concerns laid forth in detail, "Mr. Bambang, it's not a matter of outright rejection; rather, it is about postponement. I am bound by a two-year contract as Karpin's assistant at Krasnodar. Additionally, the Unity Academy in Russia is at the forefront of the Asia program, boasting a substantial budget of €5 million, allowing 20 Indonesian coaches to partake in annual internships. Should I step away now, it would jeopardize the trust that Sergey Galitsky and the Ministry have placed in me, and it could irrevocably close the door on opportunities for Indonesian talent within the RPL."
Karpin, who was still present via video call, didn't hesitate to interject with his characteristic Russian cadence, "Arief is a consummate professional. He has pledged to elevate our club to the top five in the RPL this season." To further drive home his commitment, Arief reiterated, "My focus remains steadfastly on the Russian national Unity Academy. While I hold great respect for the national team's needs, my current contractual obligations to the club take precedence."
Minister Dito interjected at that point, sharing his thoughts, "Mr. Arief, Indonesia is in dire need of your expertise and guidance at this critical juncture. The upcoming Asian qualifiers, especially after the departure of Coach Shin, are set to be even more fiercely competitive."
Ponaryo then voiced his agreement with the dissenting opinion, "I align with the concerns voiced earlier. Local coaches are fully prepared to dedicate themselves entirely—dividing your attention could lead to the national team being treated as a secondary priority."
Arief gazed thoughtfully at each attendee, taking in the weight of their expectations, "I genuinely understand the immense pressure we all carry. But envision this: If I am to remain in Krasnodar, integrating hybrid tactics at the European level, I could later apply them comprehensively to our national team. The Unity Academy holds potential to nurture 50 talented players from Indonesia each year, providing them opportunities to break into the competitive landscape of professional football in Russia—a long-term legacy that could redefine our future. I assure you: once the RPL season concludes in May 2027, I will devote myself entirely to the national team, assuming you still wish for my involvement."
Seto Nurdiyana, with a hint of concern in his expression, interrupted, "But what if your endeavors in the RPL do not succeed? If Krasnodar decides to release you from your contract, and Unity Academy is discontinued—does that not place the national team at risk?"
Finally, Natalia, who had maintained a quiet presence up until this moment, interjected, "I apologize for stepping out of turn. But it is essential to clarify that Arief is not rejecting Indonesia—he is laying the foundations for future growth. As a family, we are prepared to navigate the distances between Jakarta and Krasnodar, yet his responsibilities in Russia must be fulfilled fully first."
Erick Thohir sat in contemplative silence for a prolonged moment, his gaze fixed on the proposal map resting in his hand. "The opposition we face is formidable: seven members express concern, while five stand in support of Mr. Arief's proposal. However… Mr. Arief, your impressive track record with Krasnodar U-23, who emerged as champions, cannot be overlooked. We are willing to offer you an ultimatum: sign the Letter of Intent now, and prioritize the national team after the conclusion of this RPL season. If not, we will seek a local coach to take on the interim role, and you will serve as an advisor as a bridge between Unity and the national team."
Taking in a deep breath, Arief nodded with determination, acknowledging the offer, "I gladly accept the Letter of Intent. After the conclusion of the 2027 RPL, I will be ready to step up as head coach of the national team. Unity will operate concurrently, facilitating inductions for Indonesian talents in Russia, while simultaneously equipping our national team with the latest European tactics."
Although the applause that followed felt somewhat subdued, Erick extended a firm handshake to Arief, signaling the successful agreement. "The details are now formalized. Tomorrow's press conference will announce: 'Arief Rahman Will Commit to the National Team in 2027.' Until then, we will appoint a local coach to manage the interim role leading up to the 2026 AFF."
Thus, that pivotal evening concluded amidst a tense yet hopeful atmosphere. As Arief and his family returned to their suite at the prestigious Sudirman Hotel, Sari offered reassuring words, "You've made a wise decision. Life in Krasnodar is stable, with an income of €400k, and Unity has a considerable value of €5 million—the national team merely awaits your return in approximately a year."
With tears of pride welling in her eyes, Natalia embraced him tightly, expressing, "I'm incredibly proud. You've chosen responsibility over emotional impulses."
Arief turned his gaze towards the window, taking in the dazzling neon lights that illuminated Jakarta, reflecting on the choice he had just executed, "It was an incredibly challenging decision to navigate, but I firmly believe it's the correct one. Just envision: the RPL reaches the top ranks, Unity nurtures 50 Indonesian talents for European opportunities, and then the national team stands ready to compete fiercely in the World Cup qualifiers."
The following morning, as the press conference unfolded at Senayan, a throng of 300 journalists gathered, their anticipation palpable in the air. Headlines began to circulate in various media outlets declaring: "Arief Delays National Team Commitment for Russia—Plans for 2027!" igniting a myriad of opinions among the public.
Erick, standing at the podium, clarified the situation, "Mr. Arief is prioritizing his existing commitments at his club and the Unity Academy—this is not a rejection of Indonesia's national aspirations. A local coach will bridge the gap in his absence for the AFF, while Mr. Arief will dedicate himself fully in 2027."
Questions from the media came in rapid succession: "Why not immediately?" Arief responded calmly and thoughtfully, "My obligations to my club and my responsibilities in Russia must be concluded first. The broader vision for Indonesia lies in constructing a sustainable bridge in Europe, creating pathways for our talented players to excel."
Responses from the Indonesian media were decidedly mixed: while some lauded his decision, declaring, "Arief is a wise hero for the nation!" others raised critical voices, lamenting, "He's forsaking the national team for his commitments in Russia?"
In the afternoon light, the PSSI's private jet took Arief back to Krasnodar. During the flight, Arief reached out to Dmitri, exclaiming, "Finally back at home in the snow. The pre-season is right around the corner—Karpin is eager to dive into our tactical strategies."
Karpin responded eagerly via WhatsApp, his excitement palpable in his message: "Welcome back, warrior. The trial match against Zenit is scheduled for tomorrow—let's showcase the strength of the Garuda spirit you embody."
As Arief gazed pensively out the window at the clouds drifting by, he thought to himself, "The time for the national team isn't here yet, but new doors are opening. A flourishing career in the RPL awaits, coupled with the emergence of Unity, and then eventually, the call from the national team will resonate once again."
***
As the early morning sun began to break through the sky, the PSSI's private jet gracefully touched down on the runway at Krasnodar's Pashkovsky Airport, moving smoothly as it divested the warm embrace of Jakarta's tropical air, leaving behind the balmy climate for the stark contrast of a winter landscape where a light dusting of snow had settled once more. With determination, Arief stepped out of the aircraft and descended the steps with poise, clad in a thick red Krasnodar tracksuit that stood in vivid contrast to the glistening white snow surrounding him. He instinctively wrapped his arms around his body in a futile attempt to ward off the penetrating cold, which was content to linger around minus 4°C. Inside the VIP lounge of the club, his partner Natalia and their children waited patiently, anxiety and excitement mixing as they anticipated his arrival; their warm embrace felt extraordinarily inviting against the chilly backdrop, a stark reminder of yesterday's tropical weather. The cluster of villas they had settled into within the expatriate area, situated just a 30-minute drive from the airport, now felt increasingly like a comforting home to which they were returning: the soft, golden glow of the garden lights welcomed them back, while the delicious aroma of shashlik that Natalia had lovingly prepared wafted through the air, sweetly beckoning them toward the warmth of their house, enticing and familiar.
"Welcome home, RPL warriors!" Natalia greeted them with a wide smile that radiated warmth, her joy infectious as Liam, full of youthful exuberance, jumped excitedly to hug her legs, practically bouncing with anticipation. "The Indonesian media is going absolutely crazy—Twitter has exploded with the hashtag #AriefTimnas2027, which is already trending globally!" The air was thick with the undeniable thrill of recognition and celebration.
Arief lifted his son high into the air, his heart swelling with pride: "Dad's duty now is to make choices that matter. Today marks the beginning of pre-season training under Coach Karpin—there's a vital friendly match against Zenit scheduled for tomorrow!" He understood that with every decision came a weight of responsibility that he was now willing to bear.
Dmitri, the club driver who was known for his punctuality and friendly demeanor, pulled up to collect them in a sleek Mercedes van adorned with the club logo prominently displayed: "Coach! The news about the national team and your choice is going viral in Russia. RTV has reported in its headline, 'Indonesian Coach Chooses Loyalty to Russia.' Karpin himself commented, 'Good decision, now prove it on the field with your performance.'"
Upon their arrival at the villa, Arief and his family gathered together immediately in their round dining room, a familial hub that felt alive with conversation and connection. Sarah, in her eagerness, broadcasted the news from Indonesia, the headline blaring on the screen: "Arief Rejects National Team for Russia—PSSI Supports!" Meanwhile, Sari took a moment to update their extended family in Jakarta via their WhatsApp group: "Uncle Erick remarked that you are wise to make this decision. A local coach has been prepared to be a temporary replacement for the upcoming AFF."
Arief spoke firmly, his voice resolute: "It's undoubtedly challenging to refuse at such a pivotal moment, but I truly believe this decision is the right one. My focus must be on the RPL and the Unity Academy; prioritizing these aspects is crucial—if we fail here, we risk destroying Indonesia's legacy in football. By the time 2027 rolls around, the national team will be of utmost importance, and I will bear the responsibilities as the leader of Garuda proudly!"
With pride overshadowed by a hint of concern, Natalia replied, her expression thoughtful: "I'm so proud of you for standing by your convictions. Nonetheless, the pressure is about to triple: not only do you have the derby against Zenit on the horizon, but we also need to prepare for the launch of the Unity Academy in Moscow next week."
As dawn broke on his first day of pre-season, the Krasnodar stadium was transformed into a bustling training ground for 35 senior players alongside promising U-23 youngsters, all dedicated to training hard under Karpin's expert guidance. The synthetic snow, coupled with biting temperatures hovering around -2°C, did little to diminish the spirited determination evident among the 50 Russian players, who, despite the chilly conditions, engaged wholeheartedly in their rigorous physical tests. Seated on the right-hand bench, Arief, as the tactical assistant, maintained a vigilant readiness with his strategy board, fully prepared to implement the game plan.
As the team gathered in the warm, sauna-like changing room, Karpin initiated the briefing, addressing the players with authority: "Arief has just returned from Indonesia amidst a flurry of drama. He turned down the national team's offer—a decision that requires respect and understanding. Now it's time for all of you to prove your mettle: tomorrow's friendly match against Zenit is crucial; your pressing tactics will be rigorously tested against their impressive €100 million budget."
With the players' attention captured, Arief seamlessly transitioned into explaining the tactical game plan via an engaging presentation displayed on the big screen: "We'll be employing a 4-2-3-1 formation. Adi will serve as the double pivot—his vision and physical strength are vital. Engage in high pressing for the first 20 minutes, then revert to a compact defensive structure. During counterattacks, Dika's agility will be pivotal as he maneuvers to control the opponents' wings. Also, Sergei's in-swing set-piece strategies will be calibrated to account for the typical Kuban wind patterns."
John Cordoba, a seasoned striker with a hefty £10 million transfer tag, leaned forward, speaking with enthusiasm: "Very interesting, Coach Arief; it's a refreshing approach."
Excitement coursed through the training session as players engaged in a pressing simulation. When Arief blew the whistle decisively, the pivot duo broke through Zenit's training mannequin with finesse, while a calculated overload on the wing successfully thwarted a goal opportunity during the practice drills. Maxim showcased his aerial prowess, scoring a header in a set-piece routine, stirring the spirits of the team: "The power of Garuda!" echoed through the training ground.
During the intensity of the session, Karpin, genuinely impressed, patted Arief on the shoulder, recognizable appreciation in his tone: "Well done. But Zenit employs a Pep-like pressing strategy—how can you assist me in countering that?"
Arief responded with utmost confidence: "Perhaps we can implement a zonal hybrid approach. The principles from the UEFA A module have provided us insights into Tuchel's adaptive marking techniques that could be advantageous."
That afternoon marked a significant milestone as the launch of the Unity Academy in Moscow took place virtually from within the club's headquarters. Director Ivan Petrov, with a serious countenance, held a pivotal video call: "Arief, the news emanating from PSSI regarding your loyalty to Russia is receiving widespread respect—this is vital for our partnership. We are moving forward with the official launch of 10 academies, backed by a budget of €5 million. You will spearhead the initiative in Asia, involving 20 Indonesian coaches who will intern with us until 2026, along with 50 talented players who will undergo trials right here in the RPL."
Sergey Galitsky Jr. chimed in with optimism: "There will also be a national press conference tomorrow. Arief, you will be the face of this monumental program. The media has started dubbing you the 'Eurasian Bridge' for your role in fostering this collaboration."
Arief, maintaining an air of humility, replied: "It's truly an honor. The PSSI letter of intent for 2027 is an obligation too significant to parallel—my aim must be to channel Indonesian talent effectively through Unity for the national team's benefit."
Ivan nodded in agreement, affirming: "Exactly right. Next week, we will make an official visit to Moscow to sign the PSSI-Russia Memorandum of Understanding."
That evening, as the stars blanketed the sky, a warm party was hosted at their villa cluster, featuring an array of delicious offerings: the enticing flavors of Russian shashlik mingling with the aromas of Jakarta satay, all delivered joyfully by Sari, the celebration punctuated by toasts with vodka mocktails. Liam, ever the artist, drew a playful picture titled "Indo-Russian King Father!" while Sofia twirled and danced with delight to the rhythm of a Russian remix of the beloved anthem "Garuda di Dadaku."
Sarah, now a popular vlogger boasting an impressive 2 million subscribers, seized the opportunity to initiate a live stream: "Arief has thoughtfully chosen to prioritize Russia for now, aiming for the national team in 2027! What an extraordinary legacy he is carving out!" Her commentary rippled through the airwaves, sharing their journey with the world.
Sari articulated the nuanced landscape of public opinion: "The Indonesian media is distinctly divided right now: we see nationalists on one end and pragmatists on the other. You're trending with the invigorating hashtag #PijakanArief; it's a phenomenon!"
On the terrace, bathed in the soft ambiance of the night, Natalia confided in hushed tones: "Making the decision to reject Erick was no easy feat, that much I know. Yet here you are, smiling—your heart seems set that this was indeed the correct choice."
Arief gazed thoughtfully at the stadium, illuminated beautifully by dazzling night lights: "Absolutely. Tomorrow is not just another day; it's the friendly match against Zenit, it is our moment to validate the hard work and dedication we've put into the RPL. Following that, we have the Unity MoU to finalize and then the high-stakes derby against Spartak. By 2027, I envision Garuda soaring high; with patience and persistence, success will surely come."
As the dawn of the next day broke, excitement buzzed around the stadium, where the friendly match against Zenit's reserve team was awaiting, eager supporters gathering in droves—20,000 strong, their palpable energy electrifying the air. The match kick-off ignited with fierce intensity, Zenit quickly scoring in the 3rd minute through strategic high pressing. Arief leaned over to Coach Karpin, offering pointed advice, then confidently encouraged the players from the sidelines: "Stay calm; now is our moment to rise up and press!"
In the 15th minute, magic erupted as an incredible counterattack unfolded—thanks to a pivotal interception, Dika surged forward with incredible speed, ultimately assisting Cordoba to equalize the score 1-1! The cheers from the stands erupted like a tidal wave, buoying their spirit. As the second half progressed, in the 60th minute, a brilliantly executed set piece from Sergei bore fruit, resulting in a 2-1 lead! The game crescendoed in the 88th minute when Zenit was awarded a penalty—yet, destiny smiled upon them; the goalkeeper executed a heroic save, and without delay, a the team launched into another counterattack, culminating in Maxim sealing their phenomenal victory with a calculated finish, ending the match at 3-1!
The euphoria of victory in this crucial friendly match was palpable! Karpin, filled with enthusiasm, enveloped Arief in a warm embrace: "Your tactical foresight worked splendidly! You must stay on as an assistant; a top-six ranking is within our reach, and together we can truly aim high."
Russian media quickly caught wind of the thrilling match, emblazoning headlines that read: "Arief's Skills from Indonesia Astonish Zenit!"
Amidst the celebration, a WhatsApp message pinged through from Erick Thohir, embodying the complexity of their journey: "It's a commendable win in the friendly match. However, I must share that the AFF suffered a disappointing loss against Vietnam, with a score of 0-2. The Indonesian media is fervently pressing for answers, one of which is 'Where is Arief?' Is the PSSI Unity MoU proceeding smoothly on your end?"
Arief contemplated the message thoughtfully before replying: "The Unity Bridge connecting us to the National Team is steadfast. Next week, I will be in Moscow."
In a moment of reflection, Arief noted in his journal: "The developments in Krasnodar are proceeding favorably. We achieved a victory against Zenit, and the Unity Academy launch is drawing closer."