Indonesia is considering Giovanni van Bronckhorst as head coach.

The Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) is discussing the appointment of a new head coach for the men's national team, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst – Liverpool's assistant coach – being included in the list of candidates. According to Pete O'Rourke (Football Insider), the coach of Indonesian descent is emerging as a notable option as the team aims for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Why did Van Bronckhorst catch PSSI's attention?

PSSI sacked Patrick Kluivert last month after a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Although Indonesia advanced to the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, two defeats against Saudi Arabia and Iraq ended their hopes of participating in the world's biggest football tournament. From here, the focus shifted to the 2027 Asian Cup – a tournament seen as an opportunity to redeem themselves.

Given the close ties between Indonesian football and the Netherlands – with an increasing number of Indonesian players born in the Netherlands being naturalized – Van Bronckhorst became a natural candidate. He inherited Indonesian blood from his parents and possessed coaching experience in various environments.

Coach profile: diverse experience, 58% win rate.

Van Bronckhorst previously managed Feyenoord, Guangzhou City, Rangers, and Besiktas. Last summer, he joined Arne Slot's coaching staff at Liverpool, replacing John Heitinga after the latter moved to Ajax (and was recently sacked by Ajax following a poor start to the season). According to sources, the 49-year-old strategist boasts a 58% win rate in his coaching career – a testament to his ability to manage matches and the dressing room.

The situation in Liverpool: turmoil off the pitch.

Information regarding Van Bronckhorst's future emerged as Liverpool suffered a shock 0-3 defeat against Nottingham Forest. Arne Slot's team has lost six Premier League games this season, more than the four defeats they suffered in the 2024/25 season – the season in which they won the title. Former Manchester United and Blackburn scouting head Mick Brown told Football Insider that Slot needs to improve his form, although he is likely to be given more time given the squad has undergone significant changes.

The lack of cohesion was identified as a weakness, and in that context, the name of Van Bronckhorst – who has experienced many different club models – was mentioned more frequently as PSSI searched for a new head coach.

Potential impact on the Indonesian national team

If negotiations progress, Indonesia could acquire a coach familiar with European and Asian football standards, having previously worked in the senior coaching system at Liverpool. With the immediate goal of the 2027 Asian Cup, Van Bronckhorst's experience promises to bring structure and stability to a team undergoing a transition after the World Cup qualifiers.

However, this is only the stage where PSSI is screening candidates. The final decision will depend on personnel direction, timing, and many variables related to Van Bronckhorst's commitment to Anfield.

Key takeaways from the source

• PSSI is looking for a new head coach after sacking Patrick Kluivert.
• Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Liverpool's assistant coach) is on the shortlist of candidates and has Indonesian roots.
• Experience managing: Feyenoord, Guangzhou City, Rangers, Besiktas; win rate 58%.
• Indonesia's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup have ended after losses to Saudi Arabia and Iraq; their focus is now on the 2027 Asian Cup.
• Liverpool lost 0-3 to Nottingham Forest; this brings their Premier League defeats to six this season, putting pressure on manager Arne Slot.

PSSI's approach to Van Bronckhorst reflects their ambition to upgrade the head coach position with an international profile, while also leveraging the increasingly clear Dutch-Indonesian ties within the squad. The final decision, once made, will show how Indonesia wants to position itself at the 2027 Asian Cup.