/data/photo/2026/06/01/6a1da8924ed2d.jpeg)
Indonesia’s New Coach John Herdman Makes His Mark: “Indonesia Is My Home”
JAKARTA — John Herdman, the veteran Canadian coach who has steered the Vancouver Whitecaps to MLS success and led the Canadian men’s national team to its best-ever World Cup performance in 2022, has officially declared his emotional connection to Indonesia. Speaking to reporters in Jakarta this week, Herdman framed his appointment as more than a job: “Indonesia is my home now,” he said, his voice carrying the measured conviction of a man who has spent decades mastering the art of leadership in high-pressure environments.
The 58-year-old, whose tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent have made him one of the most sought-after coaches in world football, now faces the monumental task of guiding Indonesia through two critical 2026 World Cup qualification matches against Oman (June 16) and Mozambique (June 21). With the team’s preparation underway at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Herdman is already reshaping the squad’s identity—prioritizing possession-based football, high pressing and a defensive structure built on disciplined transitions.
Why Herdman’s Declaration Matters
Herdman’s emotional bond with Indonesia wasn’t immediate. His first public remarks in the country—delivered through Indonesian media outlets including Kompas.com—revealed a coach who has already immersed himself in the culture. “The passion here is incredible,” he told reporters. “The fans, the players, the staff—they’ve made me feel welcome in a way I haven’t experienced anywhere else.”
His words carry weight. Herdman’s track record speaks for itself: two MLS Cup titles with the Whitecaps, a 2022 World Cup quarter-final run with Canada, and a reputation for nurturing talent (think Alphonso Davies, Jonathan Osorio). But Indonesia presents a different challenge. The Garuda’s last World Cup appearance was in 1990, and their current FIFA ranking sits at 154th—far from the top tier. Herdman’s philosophy of patient, possession-dominated football may clash with the pragmatic, counterattacking style that has defined Indonesia’s recent campaigns.
Key Quote: “We’re not here to revolutionize in two weeks. We’re here to build. The foundation starts now.” —John Herdman, Jakarta press conference, June 9, 2024.
Herdman’s Blueprint: Possession, Pressing, and Youth
Herdman’s arrival has already sparked changes in the squad. One of his first decisions was to integrate Dutch midfielder Mees Hilgers (1.8m, 80kg), a 24-year-old attacking midfielder who has spent the last two seasons in the Eredivisie with Sparta Rotterdam. Hilgers, who has Indonesian heritage through his mother, arrived in Jakarta last week and joined training sessions at Gelora Bung Karno. While Herdman confirmed Hilgers will not feature in the upcoming friendlies against Oman and Mozambique, his inclusion signals a long-term project to blend local talent with experienced imports.
Herdman’s system is built on three pillars:
- High Pressing: Indonesia’s midfield will be instructed to press aggressively in blocks of three, targeting the opponent’s center-backs and full-backs to win the ball higher up the pitch.
- Possession Play: The team will aim for 60% ball retention, using short, quick passes to break down low-block defenses—a stark contrast to Indonesia’s traditional long-ball approach.
- Youth Integration: Players like Ridwan Sananta (19, Persib Bandung) and Evan Dimas (20, Persija Jakarta) will rotate into the starting XI to gain match experience under Herdman’s guidance.
However, not all changes are immediate. Indonesian forwards Stephan Schultes and Evan Kopylov—both experienced in European leagues—have yet to join the squad, leaving Indonesia’s attack in flux for the next two games. Herdman’s solution? “We’ll rely on movement from the midfield and width from the full-backs,” he said. “Speed and intelligence will be key.”
Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What It Means
The current squad roster reflects Herdman’s transitional phase. While stalwarts like Ridwan Sananta (Persib Bandung) and Ferry Irawan (PSIS Semarang) remain, the absence of Stephan Schultes (PSV Eindhoven) and Evan Kopylov (Feyenoord) creates a tactical void. Schultes, Indonesia’s top scorer in the 2023 AFF Suzuki Cup, is recovering from a calf injury sustained in the Netherlands, while Kopylov’s club, Feyenoord, has yet to grant international clearance.
Herdman’s response? “We’ll adapt. The players we have are capable, and we’ll focus on executing the game plan.” His words echo a pragmatic approach, but the absence of Indonesia’s most clinical strikers raises questions about their ability to break down stubborn defenses like Oman’s or Mozambique’s.
Squad Update (as of June 10, 2024):
| Position | Player | Club | Caps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Rizky Ridho | PSIS Semarang | 24 | Starter |
| DF | Ferry Irawan | PSIS Semarang | 45 | Captain |
| MF | Mees Hilgers | Sparta Rotterdam | 0 | Observation only |
| FW | Ridwan Sananta | Persib Bandung | 18 | Key playmaker |
| FW | Evan Dimas | Persija Jakarta | 5 | Youth prospect |
Oman and Mozambique: A Test of Herdman’s Vision
Indonesia’s first test under Herdman comes against Oman (June 16, 7:00 PM UTC+4 / 11:00 AM UTC+7) and Mozambique (June 21, 4:00 PM UTC+2 / 8:00 AM UTC+7). Both matches are part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying Group A, where Indonesia currently sits in third place—five points behind Oman and six behind Mozambique.
Oman: A disciplined, counterattacking side that thrives on set-pieces. Indonesia’s last meeting in 2021 ended 0-0, but Oman’s defensive organization has improved under head coach Sami Al-Balushi. Herdman’s high press may force Oman into errors, but Indonesia’s attacking options are limited without Schultes or Kopylov.
Mozambique: A more attacking team, but one that has struggled with consistency. Their 2-1 win over Indonesia in 2023 exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Herdman’s possession game could exploit Mozambique’s midfield, but Indonesia’s lack of a true striker remains a concern.
Key Dates:
- June 16: Indonesia vs Oman (Muscat, Oman) – 7:00 PM UTC+4 / 11:00 AM UTC+7
- June 21: Indonesia vs Mozambique (Maputo, Mozambique) – 4:00 PM UTC+2 / 8:00 AM UTC+7
“This Is a New Era”: Fan and Pundit Reactions
Indonesian football fans have greeted Herdman’s arrival with a mix of optimism and skepticism. On social media, the hashtag #HerdmanIndonesia has trended, with supporters praising his experience while others question whether his style suits Indonesia’s current squad.
John Herdman just said Indonesia is his home. Let’s hope he means it. The Garuda need a miracle in 2026, and this is our best shot. #HerdmanIndonesia pic.twitter.com/5XJQZ1vQZ2
Pundits, too, are divided. Kompas.com columnist Bambang Pamungkas called Herdman’s appointment “a gamble worth taking,” while former Indonesia striker Ade Cahyadi warned, “The players need time to adjust to his system. You can’t expect results overnight.”
The Road to 2026: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Herdman’s contract with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) runs until 2026, giving him ample time to implement his vision. However, the next 18 months will be critical. Indonesia must secure victories in the remaining qualifiers—including a potential clash with Australia in 2025—to stand a chance of reaching the World Cup.
One immediate priority is developing local talent. Herdman has already expressed interest in scouting Indonesian youth academies, particularly in Java and Sumatra. “The raw talent here is incredible,” he said. “We need to give them the right environment to flourish.”
For now, the focus remains on the next two matches. A draw in Oman and a win against Mozambique would keep Indonesia’s World Cup dreams alive—but Herdman knows the real work begins after June.
Key Questions Answered
Will Mees Hilgers play in the next matches?
No. While Hilgers has joined training, Herdman confirmed he will not feature in the friendlies against Oman and Mozambique. His role is observational for now.
What is Herdman’s tactical style?
Herdman favors a possession-based, high-pressing system. Expect Indonesia to play with a 4-3-3 formation, using quick transitions and aggressive pressing traps.
Why are Schultes and Kopylov missing?
Stephan Schultes is recovering from a calf injury, while Evan Kopylov’s club, Feyenoord, has not yet granted international clearance. Both are expected to join the squad for future matches.
How can I watch the matches?
The matches will be broadcast live in Indonesia on Vidio and iFlix. International viewers can check FIFA’s official broadcast partners for availability.
What’s Next?
Indonesia’s preparation continues at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with training sessions open to media until June 15. The team will depart for Oman on June 14, where they will undergo a final fitness assessment before the June 16 match.
For fans eager to follow the journey, Herdman has promised regular updates through PSSI’s official channels and his own social media accounts. “We’ll keep the communication open,” he said. “This is a team effort, and the fans are part of it.”
As for Indonesia’s supporters, the message is clear: this is not just another qualifying campaign. Under Herdman, the Garuda are on the cusp of something bigger.
Next Match: Indonesia vs Oman – June 16, 2024, 7:00 PM UTC+4 (Muscat, Oman).
What are your expectations for Indonesia’s first matches under Herdman? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on @ArchySport.
