Who is the new candidate for the head coach of the Indonesian national team?

John Herdman is becoming recognized as a leading candidate for the head coach role of Indonesia’s national team amid a significant phase of change in the country’s football scene.

With an impressive coaching background, the English strategist is expected to bring fresh energy and potentially replicate the remarkable achievements he had with the Canadian national team.

According to various international media sources, John Herdman has declined offers to coach other national teams such as Jamaica and Honduras, indicating his serious interest in Indonesia, a team currently striving to elevate its status in Southeast Asia and across Asia.

John Herdman was born on July 19, 1975, in Consett, England. Although he did not have a professional playing career, he gradually established his reputation on the sidelines with modern thinking and strong team-building skills. Holding a UEFA Pro license, Herdman is highly regarded for both his technical expertise and locker room management abilities.

The most successful period of John Herdman’s career was linked to the Canadian national team from 2018 to 2023. Under his leadership, 'Les Rouges' made history by qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, ending a 36-year absence since their last appearance in 1986.

Canada’s journey through the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup was challenging. The red-clad team struggled initially with only one win and four draws in the first five matches. However, through patience and tactical adjustments, Herdman helped Canada transform dramatically in the latter stages.

By the end of the qualifiers, Canada topped the group with 28 points from 14 matches, surpassing strong opponents like Mexico and the USA. This achievement is considered one of the greatest in Canadian football history and firmly establishes John Herdman’s impact at the national team level.

Despite failing to win any matches in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, Canada’s performance left a strong impression with their fighting spirit and fast-paced style of play, especially highlighted by Alphonso Davies. More importantly, Herdman laid a solid foundation for the long-term development of Canadian football.

If officially appointed, John Herdman will face numerous challenges, from performance pressures and passionate fans to the unique characteristics of Southeast Asian football. However, based on his achievements with Canada, the English coach has every reason to believe in a promising new journey with the Indonesian national team.