Indonesia national team coach John Herdman expressed confidence that the Garuda squad can go far in the 2027 Asian Cup despite being drawn in a tough group with Japan, Qatar and Thailand.
In an interview with ANTARA in Jakarta this week, Herdman said his team would work to overcome obstacles and advance as far as possible into rounds it has never reached before.
The English coach stressed the need to build a strong mental foundation so players would not fear any opponent. He said training camps would be used to instil an unyielding mentality.
The 2027 Asian Cup is scheduled from 7 January to 5 February in Saudi Arabia. Indonesia will open its Group D campaign against Japan on 11 January.
Herdman believes Japan, Qatar and Thailand did not want to draw Indonesia because of the Garuda’s recent record of troubling strong sides, including reaching the round of 16 at the 2023 Asian Cup.
