John Herdman's name is trending on social media, PSSI is still evaluating two strong candidates for Indonesian national team coach.

The unannounced identity of the New Coach of the Indonesian National Team Replacing Patrick Kluivert has fueled speculation on social media. Amidst this wait, one name has emerged and become a hot topic: John Herdman. 

The English coach is rumored to be the strongest candidate to become the new skipper of the Garuda Squad, although the PSSI has yet to provide official confirmation.

The PSSI confirmed the coach appointment process is still ongoing. PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) member, Endri Erawan, stated the Indonesian National Team Coach will be announced no later than January 2026. Currently, the federation has narrowed down the choices to two strong candidates being seriously evaluated.

The target set is no small matter. The New Coach of the Indonesian National Team will later be entrusted with the major mission of getting Garuda to qualify for the 2030 World Cup.

"The message from the PSSI Chairman (Erick Thohir) and Mr. Sumardji is that our target is serious. We want to strive to qualify for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, we must find a competent coach, with a good career track record, and most importantly, well prepared," said Endri in a press conference, quoted from ANTARA, Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

The failure to reach the 2026 World Cup during the Patrick Kluivert era serves as an important lesson for the PSSI. Endri emphasized that the federation does not want to take risks by choosing a coach hastily.

"We don't want to buy a pig in a poke. We want the best coach who truly has Indonesia at heart because we don't want a repeat of the unfortunate events before," he said.

Endri revealed that the PSSI had interviewed five candidates in Europe before finally narrowing the selection down to the two strongest names. In this process, he was accompanied by Muhammad from the PSSI Exco, Technical Director Alexander Zwiers, and Technical Advisor Jordi Cruyff.

Besides technical aspects, the PSSI also places great emphasis on long-term contribution. The new coach is expected not only to focus on the senior national team but also to play a role in the development of national Football.

"If necessary, they should move and live in Indonesia because our hope is that the chosen coach will later contribute to local coaches," he stated.

As planned, the National Team Coach for the senior Indonesian team will also hold the dual position as coach of the U-23 national team. The PSSI targets an official announcement this month or next month at the latest.

Amidst this process, the name John Herdman continues to be a hot topic of discussion on social media. However, until the PSSI announces its final decision, speculation remains speculation. 

The Indonesian Football public must still wait to see who will truly be entrusted with leading Garuda towards the grand dream of the 2030 World Cup.