Indonesian coach unexpectedly criticizes his own team before facing Vietnam

Coach John Herdman unexpectedly criticized Indonesia for being overly defensive and not incisive before the match against Vietnam in the 2026 AFF Cup.

Just a few weeks before the 2026 AFF Cup kicks off, Coach John Herdman surprisingly publicly highlighted major flaws in the Indonesian team. During a media exchange, the English tactician frankly admitted that the archipelago nation's side remains too passive in their style, particularly in organizing attacks. These comments immediately drew attention since Indonesia will share a group with Vietnam in the upcoming tournament.

According to Herdman, Indonesia has for years focused mainly on defending and waiting for counters rather than actively controlling the game. He believes the team must undergo a strong shift in mentality if they want to challenge for titles at international competitions. "All players must be capable of fighting to score. All players want to attack. Because in previous periods, I felt the Indonesian national team was too passive. Too passive!"

"Just defend, transition, defend, transition. In my opinion, we need more players who think in a daring attacking style. The center‑backs, central midfielders, full‑backs must try to help break through the opponent's defense."

Not stopping there, the English coach also argued that the Indonesian team is facing a significant issue in their execution within the final third. Although the side can circulate the ball fairly well in midfield, sharpness is lost when they approach the opponent's goal. "I think they played very well in the opponent's defensive two‑thirds, but they lack in the attacking third. We will improve this during the training camp. I've already spoken with the leaders of this group.

"They must coordinate to fill those gaps. It's also crucial to time the runs into the box—the areas we need to attack. So we will be ready."

When asked whether Indonesia lacks a world‑class striker, Coach Herdman stated that the issue is not about the center‑forward position. In his view, the key is for the whole team to adopt a goalscoring mindset and be willing to join the attack from every position on the field. "I believe the Indonesian national team needs a team spirit where everyone can score. We must develop a scoring mindset, whether it's a full‑back, a striker, or a central midfielder."

The 50‑year‑old coach further stressed that Indonesia must change its tactical thinking instead of relying on a single individual up front. "We must know how to seize chances. We must practice that timing, get more players into the opponent's penalty area. We need more players who believe they can enter that area to score.

"The center‑backs are responsible for set pieces. So the big lesson is that I keep hearing the phrase 'In Indonesia, we have no center forward.' My reaction and solution is to change the players' mindset."

At the 2026 AFF Cup, to be held next July, Indonesia will be in the same group as Vietnam and aim to claim their first‑ever title. The two teams may later meet again in the FIFA ASEAN Cup—a new tournament organized by FIFA for Southeast Asia. With strong statements from Coach Herdman, Indonesia is clearly preparing for a major transformation ahead of these crucial competitions.