JAKARTA - John Herdman revealed the reason he wanted to accept a new job as coach of the Indonesian national team. He filled the empty seat left by Dutch coach Patrick Kluivert.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) officially announced Herdman as the new coach of the Garuda squad on Saturday, January 3, 2025. The 50-year-old tactician was tied to a four-year contract.
Herdman said that he had a mature consideration so that he wanted to accept an offer from the Indonesian football parent, especially the passion for football in Indonesia.
"It's about finding the right project, a project that you can feel the passion and intensity of its fans," Herdman said, as reported by the Toronto Star.
In addition, another reason that makes Herdman challenged to accept the PSSI offer is the number of talents owned by Indonesia.
"It's similar to Canada, a big country with potential local players and the presence of dual-citizenship players [naturalization] that they have started," said Herdman.
Herdman's name as the new coach of Indonesia was actually revealed by several members of the PSSI executive committee (Exco) some time ago after they held a meeting.
The English coach has not had a team since resigning as coach of Toronto FC in November 2024. He is scheduled to leave for Indonesia next week ahead of a press conference.
Herdman immediately faced a busy agenda with the Indonesian national team in this year's calendar. One of them is appearing at the FIFA Series at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on FIFA Match Day 23-31 March 2026.
In addition, the FIFA Match Day agenda in June, September, October, and November, as well as the 2026 AFF Cup which is scheduled to take place starting July 25, 2026.
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