Waiting for Garuda's New Captain: PSSI Reveals Criteria for Indonesian National Team's New Coach

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 | 15:46

Author: Arif S

Technical Director (Dirtek) of PSSI, Alexander Zwiers.
Source: Football Association of Indonesia

Summary

1. PSSI is seeking a new head coach for the Indonesian National Team aligned with its vision, particularly the goal of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

2. The coaching search is deliberately unhurried, with PSSI prioritizing immediate preparations for the U-23 team’s upcoming FIFA Matchday fixtures.

3. Candidates must demonstrate not only tactical expertise but also the ability to foster player trust and manage high-pressure situations effectively.

The mystery of who will replace Patrick Kluivert as Indonesia's national team coach remains unresolved. Since the collaboration between PSSI and Kluivert ended, the Garuda squad's head coach position has remained vacant. The public continues to speculate about who will lead the Garuda squad into a new era.

PSSI Technical Director Alexander Zwiers provided a hint about the criteria for the coach being sought by Indonesia's football federation.

"The profile we're seeking isn't constrained by nationality. We simply want to find the best fit for Indonesia. We're looking for someone truly aligned with our vision because we're here for Indonesia. We aim to qualify for the next World Cup, so we seek a suitable profile," stated Zwiers.

PSSI waits for Erick Thohir to decide Kluivert's fate.

Erick Thohir Secures Five Names for New Indonesian National Team Coach Candidates, Who Are They?

Fired by PSSI, Patrick Kluivert isn't the shortest-tenured coach in Indonesian national team's hot seat.

After Kluivert's Departure, New Direction for National Team Takes Shape

PSSI officially ended its collaboration with Patrick Kluivert after Indonesia failed to advance to the 2026 World Cup, following bitter defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir emphasized that the federation isn't rushing to appoint a new coach.

"I believe we shouldn't hastily appoint a coach. As I mentioned earlier, we're prioritizing this FIFA Matchday (for the U23 national team). We do have a target to reach the top 100 FIFA ranking – we're planning step-by-step for March, June, and beyond," Erick stated during a press conference in Jakarta.

According to him, a comprehensive phased plan has been prepared to boost Indonesia's FIFA ranking position.

"We must develop a strategy to reach the top 100. Can we achieve this through major matches? But for November, we don't have a clear picture yet since we haven't started evaluating 5-6 candidates," he continued.

More Than Just a Coach: A Figure Who Can Build Trust

Erick explained that PSSI hasn't contacted any potential coaches yet. The federation's primary focus is currently on restoring Indonesian football's international reputation.

"We haven't approached anyone yet. Last week, I, the secretary-general, and several executives were focused on unifying stakeholders across Indonesian football. We're operating from a position of concern – it's not easy to convince people after recent events," said Erick.

The federation recognizes that the challenge isn't just about finding a tactically astute coach, but also a figure who can withstand pressure and build trust both domestically and internationally.

"PSSI's main current focus is maintaining international perception that Indonesia is a nation with good conduct," Erick clarified.

He added that external challenges still need to be addressed.

Garuda in Transition

Kluivert's departure has indeed left a void in the Indonesian national team, but it presents a significant opportunity to reorganize long-term strategy, philosophy, and development direction.

With the FIFA top-100 target and ambitions for the next World Cup, the public now awaits the figure entrusted to lead the Garuda to greater heights. (Antara)