Contacted by PSSI, Timur Kapadze Strong Candidate for Indonesian National Team Coach?

Former Uzbekistan national team coach Timur Kapadze finally spoke up about his relationship with PSSI. During his visit to Jakarta on Friday, November 21, 2024, the 44-year-old coach admitted that PSSI had contacted him to discuss the possibility of coaching the Indonesian national team.

Kapadze stated that the communication came directly from the Head of the National Team Agency (BTN), Sumardji, but it hadn't reached the stage of a serious offer.

"So, there was indeed contact with the federation, I spoke with Sumardji. But it wasn't concrete. The question was whether there was interest. So, I immediately said there was a planned visit (to Indonesia). After the visit, it could be discussed," Kapadze revealed after Friday prayers at Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, on Friday.

Kapadze's Name Emerges to Replace Kluivert

Kapadze's career came into the spotlight of Indonesian football after the position of Garuda head coach became vacant following Patrick Kluivert's departure last month. 

Kluivert was released after failing to lead Indonesia to the 2026 World Cup, prompting the federation to search for a new architect.

Amid this search, Kapadze emerged as one of the most prominent names due to his track record with Uzbekistan.

Impressive Track Record in Uzbekistan

Kapadze led Uzbekistan to a strong performance in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. He then continued this momentum by guiding the White Wolves to win the CAFA Nations Cup, defeating Iran 1-0 in the final last September.

However, that success story did not continue. The Uzbekistan Football Federation decided to appoint Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro as the new captain for the 2026 World Cup final round.

Cannavaro's arrival shifted Kapadze to the assistant coach role. He only held that position for two matches before deciding to leave on November 10.

Kapadze Firm on Not Wanting to Be Assistant

The Georgian-blooded coach openly explained the reason for his departure. He did not wish to continue in the assistant role and preferred to remain a head coach.

"They brought in Fabio Cannavaro. That's because he has experience, he's a champion again (as a player in the 2006 World Cup). I was asked to be the accompanying or assistant coach at that time," Kapadze said.

"But, the decision to leave came from me myself. I didn't want to be an assistant, it's better to continue my career as a coach with another team. However, the decision was rational. I supported it too. But, I didn't want to accept the new role," he concluded.

Door Still Open for Coaching the Indonesian National Team?

With his current free agent status, Kapadze becomes an interesting option for PSSI. 

Although previous communication wasn't concrete, his statement opens the possibility for further talks after this visit.

If negotiations proceed, Kapadze could become a strong candidate to fill the vacant coaching position, a role that is now the main focus of national football.