JAKARTA - PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir invited all elements of football in the country to provide maximum support to John Herdman.
This was stated by Erick Thohir after PSSI officially introduced the British man directly as the coach of the Indonesian National Team on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, WIB morning.
"I expect the maximum support from the players, managers, and national football lovers who want to appreciate the process of forming the Indonesian National Team to be more competitive," he said in an official statement from the PSSI, quoted Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Erick also said that John Herdman's vision and experience were good enough to be realized optimally if accompanied by synergy and full support from all parties.
At the same time, Erick Thohir also appreciated the positive response from the media, PSSI officials, and football lovers since the first time John Herdman's name was chanted as a candidate for the Indonesian national team coach.
For Erick Thohir, this moment is a new chapter for national football, where PSSI is also visibly committed to bringing the Indonesian National Team to a higher level.
"This is a moment where PSSI and Indonesian football enter a new era, handled by a coach like John Herdman," he said.
In an introductory session held at the Mulia Hotel, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday morning WIB, John Herdman has expressed his views regarding his new responsibilities.
For him, every responsibility clearly has pressure that will actually become a privilege.
"Leading the national team means carrying the hopes of a nation. The pressure can be a curse, but it can also be a blessing. We choose to make it a blessing," said Herdman.
The coach then also emphasized that great achievements require process and consistency. This is related to Herdman's efforts to bring the Indonesian National Team to the World Cup.
"Qualifying for the World Cup didn't happen overnight. Canada took decades to get there. Indonesia has made one big step, a very important step, and now our task is to take the next step," he said.
Along with the introduction of Herdman, PSSI also introduced Cesar Meylan as a physical performance coach who will help Herdman and focus on developing the aspects of fitness, strength, and physical endurance of players.
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