The rumor of appointing John Herdman as the new coach for Indonesia's national team has not reached a final decision, according to PSSI Vice Chairman Zainudin Amali. Negotiations are ongoing following the sacking of Patrick Kluivert due to failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. UK media Sky Sports reported that Herdman has undergone an interview as a strong candidate.
The position of coach for Indonesia's national team has been vacant since Patrick Kluivert was sacked after the Garuda squad failed to advance to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Several foreign coach names have emerged, with John Herdman being the most prominently discussed.
UK media Sky Sports reported that the former Canada national team coach has entered the strong candidate list and undergone an interview process. "John Herdman is on the shortlist for the Indonesia national team head coach position. The former Canada national team coach has already had an interview," wrote Sky Sports.
However, PSSI Vice Chairman Zainudin Amali confirmed that no final decision has been made. "Not final yet," Amali stated via text message to reporters on Friday, December 19, 2025. He added that PSSI is still in the advanced negotiation stage, which must be agreed upon by both parties. "There are still processes that need to be negotiated and approved by both sides. Once completed, it will be announced directly by the General Chairman," he explained.
This rumor comes amid criticism from former Indonesia striker Greg Nwokolo regarding PSSI's decision-making patterns. At the Santini JMTV Awards 2025 ceremony in Jakarta on December 18, 2025, Greg emphasized the need for objective evaluation. "In football, we can make decisions but don't use feelings. Just look at reality; if we have a good coach, give him time, don't just fire him randomly," he said.
National team defender Jordi Amat also conveyed a firm message for PSSI to be selective in choosing the new coach, without haste. Indonesia's national team is scheduled to return to action in the FIFA Matchday in March 2026 as a test match.
