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Head coach of Indonesia’s U19 national football team, Nova Arianto, has urged his Garuda Muda squad not to feel pressured by their status as defending champions of the ASEAN U-19 Boys' Bank Sumut Championship 2026, also known as the AFF U-19 2026.

Nova stated that winning the AFF U19 Cup 2026 remains part of Indonesia’s broader ambition, but he does not want that goal to become an unnecessary burden for his players in every match.

According to him, the most important thing is that the players embrace every step of the process they go through.

"I hope the players won’t feel burdened by being the defending champions because I prefer to focus on the process — how we prepare for Myanmar first, then Timor Leste and Vietnam. That is my personal target," Nova explained.

Since taking charge of Garuda Muda, Nova has set his sights on developing his players to become better and more complete footballers.

For him, success is not only measured by winning trophies but also by creating a strong generation capable of contributing to Indonesia’s senior national team in the future.

"I want to shape the players mentally and psychologically so they are ready for the senior national team. I will feel more successful if some U17 or U19 players can eventually play at the senior level," he said.

Nova Arianto is widely regarded as one of Indonesia’s notable coaches. He played a key role in guiding Indonesia to qualify for both the U17 World Cup and the Asian Cup.

However, he views those accomplishments as just small milestones in a much larger journey. His true mission is to produce players who can make a lasting impact at the senior level.

"Qualifying for the World Cup and the Asian Cup, in my view, is only part of the process to prepare players to be more mature and ready for senior competition," he added.

Nonetheless, Nova admitted that he still has his eyes set on winning the AFF U19 2026 title and promised to push his team to give their all to achieve that goal.

"I also want us to be the best. I ask the players to aim for victory in every match. We will give 100 percent of what we have and see how far our abilities can take us. That will also serve as an important evaluation for us," he concluded.