John Herdman Sets Short-Term Goals for Indonesia

January 14, 2026 | 08:21 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Newly appointed Indonesian national team head coach John Herdman has outlined a strategic short-term target aimed at addressing the nation’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Herdman described this initial phase as a foundational necessity before embarking on a long-term project geared toward the 2030 World Cup.

During his official introductory press conference at Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Herdman stated that his immediate focus is not on performance metrics, but on conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the national team’s trajectory over the past two years. He emphasized that this assessment must begin by listening to the players themselves.

"I think [in] short term, it's always an assessment. You take the time to listen, to understand people's experiences of the last World Cup [qualification]. My own tactical experience is evaluating that two-year campaign, which, you know, came close but fell short, and you have to understand what that gap was," Herdman remarked.

The English tactician summarized his entry strategy in three stages: listen, understand, and act. This framework is designed to analyze Indonesia’s exit during the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the Garuda squad was eliminated by Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

A primary figure in Herdman’s consultative process will be team captain Jay Idzes. The Sassuolo defender was a mainstay in the previous campaign, starting 15 matches across the first four rounds of qualifiers. Herdman views the players' firsthand on-field experience as the most vital source of information for rebuilding the squad.

"That [means] speaking to the captain, creating a leadership group to fully understand what they experienced, how they suffered in moments, how they collectively recovered from the successes and failures of that campaign," the coach explained.

Herdman revealed that this process is already underway, admitting he has already contacted over 60 national team players to introduce himself and signal his intent to build the team collaboratively.

"I've already started communicating with the captain and some of the key leaders. I've contacted over 60 players to let them know that I'm here, I'm watching. And then it's building that team around the team," said the man who famously led Canada back to the World Cup after a 36-year absence.

The results of this short-term approach will be put to the test during Herdman’s debut match in March, when Indonesia hosts the FIFA Series at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta. This tournament serves as the first platform for Herdman to implement the findings of his initial evaluation.

This pragmatic philosophy influenced Herdman’s decision to choose Indonesia over offers from Jamaica and Honduras. He cited a clear vision, player quality, and a fanatical fan base as the country's primary draws. "I have worked in CONCACAF before. I've had experience there. But I honestly believe with a population of 280 million, 80 90% of people are football mad. They love their football. This is the place to be," he said.

Herdman has signed a two-year contract with an option for a two-year extension. Beyond the senior squad, he has also been tasked with leading the U-23 national team. He believes establishing continuity between age groups is essential for long-term success.

He argues that synergy from the U-17 level to the senior team is the key to ensuring young players are "plug-and-play" ready when called up. "It will be important that we have consistency in elements of philosophy, as I said, the culture framework, tactical framework, and while there'll be differences because every coach has their philosophy, there have to be similarities to ensure the players are ready. So when they are called, they are ready to play," he added.

To bolster his mission, Herdman has brought in long-time confidant Cesar Meylan as assistant fitness coach. The pair have a professional history spanning over a decade, working together with the New Zealand women’s team, the Canadian national team, and Toronto FC.

For Herdman, this phased approach is a proven formula. He noted that his 20-year track record has always prioritized building the right habits before chasing results. "My work over the last 15-20 years of my experience has been qualifying teams for Olympic World Cups. It's about seeing what's missing in that habit and building it. [So for short-term agenda], listen, understand, then get to action. Let's get moving," he concluded.

Ihsan Reliubun contributed to the report.

Read: John Herdman Highlights Youth Pathway to Indonesia's Senior Team

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

John Herdman Highlights Youth Pathway to Indonesia's Senior Team

1 hari lalu

John Herdman Talks of AFF and 2027 Asian Cup Targets

1 hari lalu

John Herdman Unveils Vision for Indonesia National Team

1 hari lalu

John Herdman on Indonesia's World Cup Ambition: "Pressure Is a Privilege"

1 hari lalu

PSSI to Introduce John Herdman as New Indonesian National Team Coach

3 hari lalu

New Indonesia National Team Coach John Herdman Arrives in Jakarta

3 hari lalu

John Herdman Officially Appointed Coach of Indonesia's National and U-23 Teams

11 hari lalu

Today's Top 3 News: PSSI Appoints John Herdman to Lead Indonesian National Team

25 hari lalu

Analyst Says John Herdman Needs to Assess Character of Indonesian National Team Players

25 hari lalu

PSSI Appoints John Herdman to Lead Indonesian National Team

26 hari lalu