JAKARTA, KOMPAS.TV – Persija coach Mauricio Souza welcomed the arrival of the Indonesian national team architect, John Herdman.
John Herdman visited Persija training at the Persija Training Ground, Bojongsari, Tuesday (27/1/2026).
He came in order to establish ideal synergy between the club and the Indonesian national team.
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Mauricio Souza considers what John Herdman has done as a positive step.
The visit also showed John Herdman’s seriousness in developing Indonesian football.
“He praised our team. He did have the idea of visiting clubs. We had a brief chat,” said Souza on Persija’s official website.
“I congratulate him on the challenge he has taken. I really like his initiative to visit the club and talk to the coaches,” said the Brazilian coach.
Souza also saw that the British coach looked very motivated in building the Indonesian national team.
Souza also wished John Herdman success with the Garuda team, and hoped that Indonesia could appear in the 2030 World Cup.
John Herdman himself admitted that he was surprised by the reception he received.
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He emphasized that visits like this are vital for building trusting communication between clubs and the Indonesian national team.
“I think it’s important to build these relationships,” he said.
“For the players, it is important to see the head coach of the national team present in an environment like this, so they know that I am watching,” said the former Canada coach at the 2022 World Cup.
