Indonesian National Team Coach Candidate Pool: John Herdman Deemed Most Sensible Choice to Handle Garuda
Source: Football Association of Indonesia
After PSSI officially ended the collaboration with Patrick Kluivert two months ago, Indonesian football fans are now awaiting the new figure who will lead the National Team into the next cycle. Among the circulating names, John Herdman is considered the most realistic and rational choice.
Indonesian football observer Haris Pardede, or Bung Harpa, views the former Canadian National Team Coach as the most sensible option for the head coach position of the Garuda Team. This assessment is based on Herdman's track record of successfully leading Canada to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after a 36-year wait.
"Yes, between these two candidates, John Herdman appears more logical. The coach who brought Canada to World Cup qualification," stated Bung Harpa on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
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Besides achievement factors, Bung Harpa highlighted non-technical aspects in the appointment process of the Indonesian National Team Coach, namely availability and budget.
Currently, Herdman is unattached to any club, making negotiations more realistic compared to another widely discussed candidate, Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Van Bronckhorst still serves as assistant manager to Arne Slot at Liverpool. This makes the recruitment process far more complex, both administratively and financially.
"Budget-wise it also seems more reasonable. Plus, in terms of availability, the person in question is currently free. Regarding Giovanni, I spoke with one of his close family members. His status, as we know, remains Liverpool's assistant coach. So his rate would likely be higher," he explained.
John Herdman's name has gained international media attention. Honduran outlet Diez reported the English coach is among the strong candidates for the next Indonesian National Team Coach.
In fact, Herdman is said to have received several offers, including replacing Reinaldo Rueda as Honduras' national coach, but reportedly declined in favor of the Garuda Team project.
Meanwhile, PSSI ensures the selection process follows procedure. PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) member Endri Erawan revealed the federation has shortlisted two top candidates from European interviews.
These names will be discussed in an Exco meeting with PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir after the 2025 Thailand SEA Games conclude. The new coach announcement is targeted for this month or next month at the latest.
Bung Harpa appreciated PSSI's steps, noting consistency in maintaining a transparent and structured selection mechanism.
"To my knowledge, the process remains procedural, similar to when choosing Shin Tae-yong over Luis Milla. Specifications were given to the Technical Director. The Technical Director shortlisted, interviewed, then presented two options for Exco to select. We hope this procedure remains intact. Not a one-man show," Harpa stated.
Whoever is ultimately selected, Bung Harpa urged the Indonesian football community to respect the federation's decision.
He acknowledged differing preferences are natural, but support for the Indonesian National Team must remain the priority, especially with the long-term vision toward the 2030 World Cup.
"Whatever the outcome, we may have different preferences. But that should be respected. Like when Shin Tae-yong was replaced by Kluivert – we were divided but still supported the federation. Hopefully this is the best choice," he concluded. (Antara)
