Responding To Doubts, Erick Thohir Calls Nova Arianto The Best Coach For The U-20 Indonesian National Team

PSSI chairman Erick Thohir emphasized that the appointment of Nova Arianto as the U-20 Indonesian national team coach was correct (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir gave a firm response regarding the doubts that arose in the public regarding the appointment of Nova Arianto as the head coach of the Indonesian U-20 National Team (Timnas).

According to him, Nova Arianto is the most appropriate person and there is no doubt about his abilities.

"Nova is a coach that does not need to be debated anymore, the best coach that Indonesia currently has that we have the opportunity to hold the U-20 Indonesian national team. That's the context," said Erick Thohir in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Erick Thohir emphasized that this appointment is part of the ongoing coaching and regeneration process within PSSI.

He asked all parties to give full support to talented local coaches such as Nova Arianto, who previously coached the U-17 Indonesian national team successfully because he managed to qualify for the 2025 U-17 World Cup through the qualifying round and won his historic first victory for the event.

"So, I think the process is going well. If possible, we will give local coaches such as Nova, from U-17 to U-20. We should not argue why this is," he said.

Furthermore, the Chairman of PSSI explained that this policy will become a new standard for PSSI in the future. Providing trust to local talents, both players and coaches, is a long-term form of investment for the advancement of national football.

"In the future, PSSI standards will also be invested. Like we give domestic players the opportunity to make the league better."

"There is partiality to the league, U-23 players can play, even players from League 2 and U-21. This is part of comprehensive coaching, both domestically and abroad," said Erick Thohir.

The appointment of Nova Arianto is expected to continue the relay of coaching young Indonesian players and prepare a competitive Garuda Muda Squad to face international tournaments in the future.