JAKARTA - Indonesia's new National Team (Timnas) coach, John Herdman, has prepared his mental strength to face the big demands of supporters so that he dares to take the role as a tactician to replace his predecessor.
The English team's coach has been officially introduced by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) as the new coach of the Indonesian National Team at the Mulia Hotel, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Herdman said that accepting the coaching position of a national team like Indonesia must be ready to face challenges and all the dynamics that occur, especially the demands of its fans.
"Yes, the pressure is a privilege. You come to an organization, you lead a team, then you also carry this country. Now, it can be a curse or a blessing," said the 50-year-old coach.
PSSI actually announced Herdman as a coach to continue the relay from Patrick Kluivert earlier this month. His track record of leading Canada to the 2022 World Cup is one of the strong considerations for his selection.
Herdman admitted that he was very excited to help the Indonesian National Team to realize the dream of playing in the World Cup. He assessed that the Garuda Squad has the opportunity to appear in the big event.
"Every day I wake up, every day when I wake up from the bed, the thing I think about, besides my family, is to be able to get this team to the World Cup," said Herdman, who came to Indonesia with his wife and son.
In addition to John Herdman, PSSI also introduced Cesar Meylan as an assistant coach in the same event. In the coaching team, the former Director of Performance of Toronto FC will focus more on the aspects of fitness, strength, and physical endurance of the players.
A number of busy agendas are waiting for Herdman's coaching team this year, one of which is the FIFA Series in March 2026. In addition, there is also the 2026 AFF Cup which will take place in July-August 2026.
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