Leak on New Indonesian National Team Coach, Bung Ropan Names Roberto Mancini and Mourinho

The atmosphere of Indonesian football is pulsating. After the Shin Tae-yong era and Patrick Kluivert's brief tenure, the public now awaits a new chapter in the hot seat of the Indonesian National Team. Who will carry the torch? And where will Indonesian football be headed?

Certainly, according to football analyst Ronny Pangemanan, PSSI's next move isn't just about finding a new figure but determining the future of the foundation built in recent years.

"STY [Shin Tae-yong] was good, everyone respects him; he laid a strong foundation, but that’s past. Patrick Kluivert is also done. Take swift steps to see how Indonesian football can progress further," he stated bluntly as a guest on the TALK WITSME podcast.

Two coaching changes in quick succession signal PSSI's desire to move faster yet more precisely.

"So now we must focus on building a stronger foundation after two previous coaching changes—it must be better," added Pangemanan, familiarly known as Bung Ropan.

He emphasized that finding a coach this time requires full commitment. PSSI must seek a quality coach operating at a higher level than predecessors.

"Don’t settle for someone equivalent to Shin Tae-yong or Patrick Kluivert; it must be an upgrade. Top-tier names with solid CVs are essential," he explained.

This statement delivers a tough yet realistic message: Indonesian fans are no longer satisfied with mere "big names." They need figures who deliver tangible impact, not just hype.

Erick Thohir’s Direction: Europe as the Key?

During a casual conversation, Bung Ropan probed PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir’s thoughts on new coach candidates.

"I asked Mr. Erick, 'What type of coach suits the post-STY and Kluivert era?' I tried baiting him—he said nothing’s finalized," Ronny shared.

However, the discussion revealed intriguing hints.

"I nudged further: 'From Asia or Europe?' He responded, 'If we want the highest success probability, it must be Europe,'" Ronny disclosed.

This seemingly confirms the wind’s direction: Indonesia’s new coach will likely come from Europe—a continent renowned for tactical tradition, organization, and championship mentality.

But recruiting a top European coach isn’t simple. Beyond quality, contract figures are a major consideration.

"If STY and Kluivert earned, say, Rp1.3 billion monthly, a European coach might demand Rp5 billion or more," Ronny noted.

Emerging "Leaked" Candidates

Big names circulated—from Luis van Gaal to Roberto Mancini, José Mourinho to Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who has Ambonese roots.

"Names like Luis van Gaal surfaced earlier—his annual fee hit Rp75 billion, roughly Rp7 billion monthly. Negotiations might lower it to Rp5 billion, but at 74, he’s older and injury-prone. We need someone under 60 for freshness," Ronny explained.

He deemed Roberto Mancini the most realistic fit, citing Mancini’s strong Inter Milan ties with Erick Thohir.

"If Mr. Erick subtly hints ‘Europe,’ Mancini makes sense. He led Italy to Euro glory—solid credentials."

Another name mentioned was José Mourinho, Thohir’s longtime friend in European football, whose record remains impeccable.

"Mourinho’s Inter achieved a treble; he won at Chelsea. Everything he touches succeeds."

But pragmatically, Bung Ropan acknowledged Mourinho’s salary could be prohibitive.

"Both are excellent tacticians, but Mourinho’s contract demands may be too high. Mancini seems more feasible."

Beyond elite options, younger potentials emerged: Mark van Bommel and Giovanni van Bronckhorst—the latter holding emotional significance for Indonesia.

"Van Bronckhorst has Maluku heritage. He excelled at Rangers and now assists Arne Slot at Liverpool."

Non-European candidates were also floated, including Jesus Casas (ex-Iraq coach), Timur Kapadze (Uzbekistan), and Liga 1 familiar faces like Bojan Hodak (Persib Bandung), Tavares (ex-PSM), and Jan Olde Riekerink (Dewa United).

"All names are possible, but Mr. Erick’s ‘Europe’ hint suggests PSSI is seriously vetting candidates—no rush to announce."

Amid speculation, one certainty remains: Indonesia awaits a leader with not just paper credentials but a clear long-term vision.

The National Team’s new era isn’t merely a name change—it’s about direction, hope, and elevating Garuda to soar beyond Asia onto the global stage.