Indonesia national team coach John Herdman expressed admiration for his players' intensity and pride in representing the country, despite tight preparation time ahead of FIFA Series 2026. The first training session took place at Stadion Madya GBK on March 24, 2026. Elkan Baggott rejoined after nearly two years absent.
John Herdman, the new coach of Indonesia's national team, held the first training session at Stadion Madya in the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Despite only two days of preparation before the opener against St. Kitts & Nevis on March 27 at Stadion Utama GBK, Herdman focused on rapid tactics. He was particularly struck by the players' spirit. “I now feel the intensity and pride these players have in representing Indonesia,” Herdman said, quoted by Antara. “We worked tactically today. Time is very short.” The squad was incomplete from the 24 called up due to Idul Fitri holidays, a normal situation in international football, Herdman noted. He brought staff from seven countries, including locals like Nova Arianto, Dzikry Lazuardi, and Sofie Imam, plus internationals such as Simon Grayson, Andrej Kostolansky, Steven Vitoria, and Cesar Meylan. “It's about balance. We want to embrace Indonesian culture but also bring proven methodologies,” he said. Elkan Baggott, the 23-year-old Ipswich Town defender in the English Championship standing 1.96 meters tall, returned after missing action since the 2023 Asian Cup. Herdman was impressed by his professionalism: “He plays in the English Championship. He trains with high intensity.” Rizky Ridho welcomed him positively: “Very happy he's trusted again. I'll learn from him again.” Ridho was surprised by Herdman bringing a TV to the field to explain tactics, a normal method in Europe according to Jordi Amat. A training photo by Eliano Reijnders showed a blonde figure, reportedly Oliver Leeming from Persija U-20. The FIFA Series 2026 tournament includes Bulgaria and Solomon Islands until March 31.
