Kapadze, Navbahor Coach, Van Bronckhorst, and Herdman Strongest Candidates for Indonesian National Team Coach?

The search process for a new coach for the Indonesian National Team has become one of the most intriguing football sagas approaching the new year. Two of the five candidate names kept secret by PSSI are starting to emerge. They are Liverpool assistant manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and former Canadian National Team coach, John Herdman.

They have become the focus of Indonesian football public attention after being mentioned as figures being considered to replace Patrick Kluivert in the head coach position of the Garuda squad.

Herdman Has Already Interviewed with PSSI

Sky Sports reported that John Herdman is one of the most serious candidates under consideration.

"John Herdman is on the list of candidates for head coach of the Indonesian National Team. The former Canada coach has been interviewed for the job," wrote the British media outlet.

PSSI is indeed currently on a visit to Europe, from England to France, to meet the candidates directly. 

This step is part of efforts to accelerate the process of appointing a new coach following the evaluation results of previous performance.

Van Bronckhorst on PSSI's Radar

Not only Herdman, the British media also mentioned another big name: Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Currently, van Bronckhorst serves as Liverpool's assistant manager, supporting Arne Slot.

Van Bronckhorst's name gained more traction after PSSI Vice Chairman Zainudin Amali gave a hint suggesting a candidate from the Netherlands.

"Just for the country, well, a football country. There's one from the Netherlands, but don't ask for the person's name, okay," said Amali on November 26, 2025.

When asked further, he emphasized that the identities of the candidates would not be disclosed for privacy reasons.

That hint now feels increasingly clear in pointing towards the figure of Van Bronckhorst, the former Netherlands national team captain, and ex-coach of Feyenoord and Rangers.

Who Are the Other Three Candidates?

The other three candidate names are still being kept secret by PSSI. However, circulating rumors point towards former Iraq National Team coach, Jesus Casas, ex-Qatar National Team coach, Felix Sanchez, and former South Korea coach, Paulo Bento. 

All three have international track records and experience in building long-term projects, aligning with Indonesia's need to build a more stable national team foundation.

Previously, the name of former Uzbekistan coach, Timur Kapadze, was also strongly rumored to be a leading candidate. Especially since Kapadze visited Indonesia some time ago. 

However, that news has now been refuted after the Uzbek League club, Navbahor, announced they had reached an agreement with Kapadze as head coach.