March 26, 2026 | 07:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian national team coach John Herdman said he plans to focus on strengthening the team’s attacking play while maintaining the defensive solidity that has long been a hallmark of the squad.
“Looking at the previous iteration of the Indonesian national team, there are many things I like. The team’s defensive cohesion and stability are very strong,” Herdman said during a press conference at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
The team is set to face Saint Kitts and Nevis in their first match of the FIFA Series 2026 on Friday, March 27, at 08:00 PM WIB, also at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Herdman identified attacking transitions and offensive organization as key areas for improvement. “The attacking transition and offensive play must be more dynamic and direct to put pressure on the opponent,” the 50-year-old coach said.
He also noted that the team’s style can still be predictable to opponents. “In international football, flexibility is essential—before, during, and throughout the match. The team must not be easy to read,” Herdman explained.
The coach intends to leverage the strengths of defenders such as Elkan Baggott, Jay Idzes, and Calvin Verdonk to build play from the back.
“I need to see what they can contribute to the team and adjust our playing style accordingly,” he said.
Herdman emphasized that evaluations will continue for each match, including analyzing opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
“As a coach, you must understand both the opponent and public expectations,” he said.
He added that Indonesia’s football identity should reflect the nation’s hardworking, creative, and community-oriented character.
“We will bring all these elements into our playing style,” Herdman concluded.
Read: PSSI Reveals Staff Under Coach John Herdman
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