Exclusive Access | Beyond the Pitch With Marselino

Summary

This video features an Indonesian football player living in Oxford, sharing insights about their life abroad. They discuss the challenges and joys of settling in a new city, balancing their career with faith, and the sense of community they find in their church and among fellow Indonesians. The player also talks about cultural differences between Indonesia, Belgium, and the UK, with a particular focus on food, football, and the importance of maintaining traditions. They reflect on their growth, the tactical differences in football across countries, and their goals for the national team, all while maintaining a humble and motivated mindset.

Takeaways

• 😀 The individual expresses a strong sense of community with other Indonesian students in Oxford, emphasizing the close-knit nature of their group.
• 😀 They enjoy the calm and beautiful atmosphere of Oxford, frequently visiting the city center and enjoying dining out with friends.
• 😀 Religion plays a significant role in their life, with a strong emphasis on church attendance and maintaining faith as an essential part of their routine.
• 😀 They reflect on their upbringing and the importance of family support, particularly from parents, in nurturing their faith and football career.
• 😀 The individual finds it easier to practice their religion in Oxford compared to Belgium, where it was difficult to find a suitable church.
• 😀 They appreciate the comfort of home-cooked Indonesian meals, which evoke memories of family and friends, and they often cook traditional dishes themselves.
• 😀 They are not particularly fond of traditional English food, citing dishes like fish and chips as lacking the spices they prefer.
• 😀 The individual enjoys a light evening meal after training, often opting for Chinese food, such as sweet and sour chicken or Kung Pao chicken.
• 😀 Gaming culture in Indonesia is significant, with many young people participating in Internet cafes and gaming zones, which were quite popular 15 years ago.
• 😀 They describe the differences between football in Indonesia, Belgium, and Oxford, noting that in Oxford, football is more tactical and structured, with a focus on positioning and out-of-position play.
• 😀 The individual feels welcomed at Oxford United, building good chemistry with teammates and receiving support from coaches to improve on specific areas like positioning.

Q & A

How does the footballer feel about living in Oxford?

The footballer enjoys living in Oxford. He appreciates the calm, beautiful nature of the city, often exploring it and having dinners with friends. He finds it a nice place to walk around and relax after a hard day of training.

What role does religion play in the footballer's life?

Religion plays a significant role in the footballer's life. He has been attending church regularly since childhood, and even while living abroad, he continues to go to church. His family constantly reminds him to stay connected to God, as they believe it is essential to his life and career.

What are some cultural differences the footballer has noticed in Oxford compared to Indonesia?

The footballer notes that Oxford has a more intimate and calm atmosphere compared to the bustling environment in Indonesia. He mentions that church services in Oxford are quieter and smaller than those in Indonesia, which are usually much larger and crowded.

How does the footballer feel about the food culture in Oxford?

The footballer finds it challenging to adapt to English food, particularly because it lacks the spices he is used to in Indonesian cuisine. He prefers to order Chinese food, such as sweet and sour chicken or Kung Pao chicken, which provides the flavors he enjoys.

What traditional Indonesian food does the footballer cook or enjoy while abroad?

The footballer enjoys cooking and eating traditional Indonesian dishes such as fried tempe with garlic, lemon grass, and spring onions, as well as butter chicken with chili and soy sauce. He also enjoys eating crackers called 'Kook' as a condiment.

How does the footballer compare his playing experience in Oxford to his time in Belgium?

He describes the playing experience in Oxford as more tactical and structured, emphasizing positioning and out-of-position play. While the game is more physical in the UK, he enjoys the challenge, and the style is somewhat similar to his time in Belgium, which also focused on tactical play.

What is the footballer's relationship with his teammates and coaches?

The footballer feels very welcome in the team. He has a good relationship with both his teammates and coaches, regularly conversing with them. He enjoys the camaraderie and believes the support he receives helps him feel at home in the club.

How does the footballer maintain his fitness and football skills while in Oxford?

The footballer maintains his fitness and skills through daily training with the team. He also works hard to improve his game, focusing on areas such as positioning and tactical awareness. He mentions that the coaching staff helps him develop his skills, especially when it comes to improving weaknesses like being out of position.

What does the footballer think about the new coaching staff and their approach to the national team?

The footballer is looking forward to working with the new coach, who comes from a Dutch background with a focus on 'Total Football.' He contrasts this approach with the previous coach, who followed a more disciplined, Korean tactical style. He’s excited to see how the new coach will build the team and implement their tactics.

How does the footballer view his role in the national team and the future of Indonesian football?

The footballer is motivated to represent Indonesia on the international stage and feels confident about the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. He believes that playing in Europe and the UK has strengthened his mindset and confidence, and he looks forward to bringing these qualities to the national team. He also acknowledges the growing support for Indonesian players abroad.