Indonesia is competing with Türkiye and China for coach Timur Kapadze
Coach Timur Kapadze confirmed negotiations, is considering offers from Indonesia and is receiving contacts from teams in Türkiye and China; PSSI is under pressure to close early.
PSSI is facing a fierce race to hire Timur Kapadze as Indonesia coach, with the Uzbek coach confirming he has received contact from Türkiye and China, in addition to considering Indonesia. Kapadze said he is open to all possibilities and is in no rush to make a decision.
Three-horse race for coach Timur Kapadze's signature
PSSI’s bid to sign Timur Kapadze as Indonesia’s head coach has been met with fierce competition, with the latest confirmation that teams from Türkiye and China have entered the race, heating up the coaching market with three potential destinations for the 42-year-old.
Kapadze is considered a strong candidate to replace coach Patrick Kluivert. He contributed to Uzbekistan's qualification for the 2026 World Cup before leaving the national team.
Kapadze speaks out about destinations
In a recent interview, Kapadze said: “I am looking forward to new challenges, both from abroad and at home. There are some negotiations underway. If a good offer comes, of course I will consider it and start working.”
Regarding specific destinations, he confirmed: “For Indonesia, this process is being considered. There are also contacts with teams from Türkiye and China.” At the same time, Kapadze denied rumors of negotiations with Kazakhstan.
Context: left Uzbekistan national team after Fabio Cannavaro was appointed
Kapadze was the head coach of Uzbekistan in their journey to the 2026 World Cup. After that, the Uzbekistan Football Federation appointed the legendary Fabio Cannavaro, and Kapadze was transferred to the assistant position. From here, he decided to part ways to seek a new challenge as a captain.
Pressure on PSSI in the race
The current situation forces PSSI to act quickly and decisively if it does not want to miss its top target. Kapadze asserts that he is in no hurry, willing to let things happen naturally, thereby shifting the pressure on progress to the parties that are pursuing it.
Meaning of the Indonesian national team coach position
Kapadze’s opening of negotiations gives Indonesia the opportunity to approach a coach who has worked at the national team level and contributed to Uzbekistan’s World Cup 2026 achievement. However, the emergence of options from Türkiye and China makes the balance of competition unpredictable.
Confirmed points
- Timur Kapadze has retired from the Uzbekistan national team.
- He contributed to helping Uzbekistan win a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
- Kapadze confirmed that he is in negotiations and is open to all possibilities of working at home and abroad.
- The process with Indonesia is under review.
- He has received contacts from teams in Türkiye and China.
- Kapadze denies negotiations with Kazakhstan.
Process perspective
With multiple parties involved, progress may depend on the speed and quality of offers from interested clubs. PSSI needs to clarify the roadmap and roles to increase persuasion, while Kapadze prefers to wait for the right offer before committing.
