Indonesian national team coach John Herdman finally revealed his reasons for accepting the offer from the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to lead the Indonesian national team. He touched on the talent of local players and the potential for naturalization.
John Herdman made the statement in an interview with The Canadian Press. The Canadian media outlet's report was published the same day Herdman was announced as the new captain of the Indonesian national team, Saturday (January 3, 2026).
The English tactician explained his reasons for accepting the job. He had previously been unemployed after resigning as Toronto FC's head coach in November 2025.
According to Herdman, he had been searching for the right job for over a year. His primary reason for accepting the challenge of managing the Garuda squad was the fanaticism of its fans and supporters.
"It's about finding the right project, one that can feel the passion and intensity of the supporters and fans," Herdman told The Canadian Press, as quoted by the Toronto Star, Saturday (3/1/2026).
Herdman said another reason that encouraged him to accept this job was considering the commitment from PSSI, which was looking for someone with a track record of qualifying teams for the World Cup.
According to the 50-year-old coach, Indonesia isn't actually that different from Canada. Herdman said Indonesia has a wealth of local talent that can be combined with naturalized, heritage-based ammunition.
"What I see is the talent there. It feels very similar to Canada. It's a big country, with a lot of potential for local players, but also the ability to recruit dual-passport players, which they've already started on that journey," Herdman said.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) officially announced the appointment of John Herdman as the new captain of the Indonesian national team on Saturday (January 3, 2026). The federation described the appointment of John Herdman as "marking the beginning of a new era for national football."
"The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) enthusiastically welcomes the 50-year-old coach. Herdman's diverse track record was the main reason for this appointment. He is recorded as the only coach in the world to have successfully led both the men's and women's national teams from one country to qualify for the World Cup." PSSI explained.
In addition to captaining the Indonesian national team, Herdman will also be responsible for managing the U-23 national team. He has signed a long-term contract with a 2+2 year scheme, or until 2029.
Awaiting a Busy Schedule
John Herdman is expected to have a tough task with the Indonesian National Team in 2026. Starting from the FIFA Series in March, the AFF Cup in July-August, to FIFA Matchday in June, September-October, and November 2026.
"In 2026, Herdman and the Indonesian National Team have a busy schedule ahead. The Senior National Team will appear in the FIFA Series at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on FIFA Matchday 23-31 March 2026," wrote the PSSI release.
"The FIFA Match Day agenda will continue in June, September, October, and November, as well as the 2026 AFF Cup, which is scheduled to take place from July 25, 2026," the federation's statement continued.