English coach set to lead Indonesia national team

An English strategist is reportedly preparing to take the helm of the Indonesia national football team.

According to Honduras’ Diez newspaper, coach John Herdman has decided to decline Jamaica’s offer, prioritizing the opportunity to lead Indonesia national team.

The English coach is currently considered one of the top candidates for the head coach position of the Indonesian team, alongside the frequently mentioned Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Despite widespread rumors on social media, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has yet to make an official confirmation, as negotiations with candidates are still ongoing.

According to reports from Diez, John Herdman attracted significant attention from both the media and fans as an ideal replacement for coach Reinaldo Rueda. His extensive experience in the notoriously tough World Cup qualifying campaigns is highly valued, especially as Honduras aims to revive its ambitions for the 2026 World Cup. However, positive developments in talks with Indonesia prevented this scenario from materializing.

The newspaper also revealed that Herdman came very close to returning to the CONCACAF region after negotiations with the Jamaica Football Federation, following Steve McClaren’s resignation. Jamaica considered giving him the chance to lead the team in the intercontinental playoff matches for the 2026 World Cup spot, but Herdman declined to focus on plans with Indonesia, signaling a clear shift in his career ambitions.

Notably, Diez stated that John Herdman meets all the criteria PSSI is seeking for the Indonesian head coach role. The federation prioritizes a coach with extensive World Cup qualifying experience, capable of managing player transitions and handling intense pressure. Herdman’s disciplined working style and direct playing approach, which helped Canada rise significantly under his leadership, are expected to bring similar success to Indonesian football on its journey to elevate its status in Asia.