JAKARTA - New Indonesia National Team coach John Herdman is well aware of the pressure that comes when he accepts the offer to handle the Garuda Squad.
The English coach is known to prefer the Indonesian National Team and rejected an offer from Honduras. Herdman assessed that Indonesia has great potential to develop and achieve achievements at the international level.
In his statement, Herdman emphasized that his decision was not solely about short-term careers, but rather the long-term vision he saw in Indonesian football. He admitted to being impressed by the public's enthusiasm and the quality of the players.
"I see tremendous potential in Indonesia. There are many good players, young talent, and a very strong passion for football," said Herdman.
The English coach also said that Indonesia offered a different challenge compared to other countries who had contacted him.
According to him, the opportunity to build a competitive team from a strong foundation was the main factor in his decision.
"There is a big opportunity in Indonesia. It's not just about one tournament, but how to build something sustainable."
"My career so far is about building, working with a federation that has the spirit and vision to bring the country to a place it has never touched. That's clear."
"From all I have heard and read, the people here, this country are ready. There is no other reason. We have players, capabilities, professionalism, now is the time to qualify (for the World Cup)," he said.
Herdman added that the full support of the federation and trust in the Indonesian national team's long-term project made him more confident to take on the role.
He hopes to bring his international experience to help improve the level of the Indonesian National Team.
With this decision, Herdman emphasized his commitment to bring the Indonesian National Team to compete further in the Asian and world arena, as well as answering the great expectations of the Indonesian football public.
"I want to be here when this country gets to the next stage. I was in Canada before when I took the step, both the men's and women's teams. I want to be here."
"This is a very exciting opportunity in football. It's not about rankings, it's not about this team could have gone to a better place, or you could have done this in the World Cup."
"There are so many opportunities in Indonesia to be able to step into other places. That is the World Cup. That is the mission," he said.
Seeing the mission and the pressure that is visible in front of his eyes, Herdman also firmly conveyed his limitations while holding the Indonesian National Team.
He doesn't want anyone to bother him in the locker room. Giving input is okay, but the final decision is still in Herdman's hands.
"Yes, I mean, the national team coach has to be fully responsible for their decisions. As a national team coach, you have to consult."
"It's important to listen to the opinion of the crowd. You listen to the fans, you listen to the experts, you listen to the coaches in the lower system, you listen to the professional coaches in the league."
"However, the head coach, he knows when to dampen that noise and make decisions. That's the pressure, the responsibility, that the head coach has to bear."
"I am ready for that responsibility. The head coach will make decisions about who plays in every game, in every game, and in every squad," he said.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
