Hodak Declares Eliano Reijnders Persib’s Top Signing, Criticizes Football Commentary by Translators
Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak has emphatically praised midfielder Eliano Reijnders as his best acquisition since taking the helm, while simultaneously rebuking unauthorized commentary on player performance from individuals outside the realm of professional football analysis. The comments come amid a recent controversy surrounding remarks made by a translator connected to the Indonesian national team.
Hodak was unequivocal in his assessment of Reijnders’ impact. “Eliano is top. He is everywhere. He plays very well, and I read about a translator who was talking nonsense about him. Eliano is a top player,” the coach stated on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as reported by detikJabar. Hodak further highlighted Reijnders’ versatility, noting his ability to “play in many positions, and…perform very well.”
The coach’s pointed criticism was directed at those offering football opinions without the requisite expertise. “Maybe some people are better off continuing to do their job as translators and not needing to talk about football. Because this is for experts, not translators,” Hodak stressed.
Sources indicate Hodak’s remarks were a response to comments made by Jeong Seok Seo, also known as Jeje, the Indonesian National Team translator during the tenure of former coach Shin Tae-yong. Jeje’s statements, delivered in a podcast, centered on the 2-2 draw against Bahrain in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier last October. According to Jeje, Reijnders’ introduction into the match contributed to Bahrain securing the equalizer. “So actually, when we played against Bahrain, we were 2-2 away. It was 2-1 and won, Eliano came in and conceded a goal. So the draw was over. Coach Shin had a little regret there at that time,” Jeje reportedly said on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Jeje subsequently issued an apology for the timing of his comments – specifically, that Reijnders entered the game with the score tied 1-1 – and clarified that he did not intend to criticize the player, promising greater caution in future public statements.
Reijnders, the younger brother of Tijjani Reijnders, recently showcased his abilities in Persib’s 2-0 victory over Persis in the Super League. Hodak praised his dynamic play, noting his contributions to both attack and defense, and his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates. “He is light in body, he is still young and as a player he can run a lot. He can run ten kilometers, yesterday he played ten kilometers and before too,” Hodak added.
Hodak’s admiration for Reijnders extends beyond his on-field performance. “Wherever I keep him, he always smiles, he always gives his best. For me, he is the best recruitment,” the coach concluded.
Reijnders initially received a call-up to the Indonesian national team during Shin Tae-yong’s leadership, earning seven caps. His sole appearance under the South Korean coach came in the match against Bahrain. He has since become a more regular fixture under current coach Patrick Kluivert, featuring in six matches, including two crucial fourth-round qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Iraq this month. He also found the back of the net in a 6-0 win over Taiwan last September.
This season, Reijnders has transitioned to Persib from Zwolle, making eight appearances, seven as a starter. Last season, he featured in 21 Eredivisie matches for Zwolle, starting in 11 of those games.
.
