Shin Tae-yong Plans Major Rotation in League Cup, Shayne Pattynama to Eksel Runtukahu to Feature

Persija Jakarta coach Shin Tae-yong has confirmed he will make sweeping changes for the 2026/2027 League Cup. The tournament will serve as a stage for players who have struggled to break into the starting eleven in the Super League, including Shayne Pattynama, Fajar Fathurrahman, and Eksel Runtukahu.

Shin Tae-yong announced the decision after leading Macan Kemayoran to a win over Persik Kediri at Jakarta International Stadium (JIS). According to the South Korean coach, the rotation is not merely a strategy to maintain fitness but also a way to give backup players a chance to prove their quality.

"Yes, for the League Cup tournament there will be rotation. So whoever cannot play much in the Super League will be played," Shin Tae-yong said.

Through seven weeks of the 2026/2027 Super League, the trio of Pattynama, Fajar, and Eksel have yet to receive regular playing time. Shin Tae-yong has more often placed them on the bench to maintain the first team's consistency. For Pattynama and Fajar in particular, competition in the full-back positions is very tight. Names such as Kerim Memija, Rio Fahmi, and Kyohei Yoshino have been the main choices to guard Persija's wide defensive line. Pattynama has even been absent from the squad list in several recent matches.

Up front, Eksel Runtukahu faces a similar challenge. The arrival of new strikers such as Alexander Jeremejeff and Ivan Mamut has left Eksel with very limited room to start in the Super League. Nevertheless, Eksel's performances continue to show progress and drew praise from Persija coach Mauricio Souza after the player was called up to the Indonesia national team.

The 2026/2027 League Cup is indeed designed to run long, nearly seven months. In the group phase, Persija will compete in Group A of the Western Zone against PSMS Medan and Sumsel United. The congested schedule between the Super League and the League Cup is a strong reason for Shin Tae-yong to rotate players. He sees the tournament as an ideal outlet to keep every squad member fit while sharpening squad depth.

The rotation also aligns with Persija's long-term needs. With a domestic competition that demands consistency, having backup players ready to step in at any time is key. Pattynama, Fajar, and Eksel are assets that can be relied upon if given enough minutes. The League Cup is also a proving ground for them to win over the coach.

Going forward, it will be interesting to watch how Shin Tae-yong manages his team composition across two different competitions. Will the rotation in the League Cup affect Persija's performance in the Super League, or will it instead become a momentum for the backup players to show their teeth and compete for starting positions? The answer will become clear as the competition unfolds.