Indonesia set to announce head coach in 2 weeks
PSSI will announce the head coach of the Indonesian national team in the next 2 weeks, not inviting Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert again, prioritizing modern thinking and understanding of Asia.
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) will announce the identity of the new head coach of the national team within the next two weeks. The PSSI leadership described this as a “real turning point” for Indonesian football, a choice that is strong enough to restore the trust of fans and bring the team closer to the World Cup dream.
2-week milestone and application screening process
PSSI technical director Alexander Zwiers confirmed that the federation is looking for “a coach who not only has international experience but also has the ability to help Indonesia get closer to the World Cup.” According to sources in Jakarta, PSSI has received more than 10 international candidates and is conducting a careful selection process before finalizing the identity in 2 weeks.
The criteria highlighted are: modern football thinking, understanding of Asian football and the ability to build a long-term plan, instead of focusing only on short-term achievements in the Southeast Asian region. This is a competency framework that shows that PSSI wants to prioritize strategic sustainability, instead of changing according to short-term results.
A definitive message about human resources
PSSI President Erick Thohir ruled out the possibility of inviting back former coaches Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert, saying “both are in the past”. He stressed that the new person must “inherit their strengths but at the same time overcome the existing weaknesses”. This message clearly positions the criteria: innovation without negating the entire foundation of discipline and structure, while requiring upgrading the quality of competition organization and personnel development.
Tactical analysis: What Indonesia needs from a “modern” coach
From the PSSI criteria, it can be seen that the tactical requirements are aimed at:
- Organize a flexible squad according to Asian opponents: the ability to play selective pressing, quickly change state and maintain stable squad distance.
- A well-organized attacking process: exploiting half-spaces, coordinating triangles on the flanks, and optimizing dead balls (corners, free kicks) to increase effectiveness against opponents with low defenses.
- Human resource management: long-term plan for key players and roadmap to upgrade the next generation, suitable for the busy competition schedule of the club and national team.
- Adapting to Asian characteristics: understanding the tempo, physical strength and regional playing style differences to adjust strategy for each match (home/away).
This orientation aims to create a stable competitive foundation, helping the Indonesian team approach the competitive standards in the continent, instead of just exploding in short periods.
Public reaction and expectations
Local observers say public opinion may be divided at the beginning, but results and the team’s organizational capacity will be an important test. Recent lessons show that if the new coach establishes a clear system and improves the quality of play, support will gradually increase.
Statistics and milestones
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of announcement | In the next 2 weeks |
| Number of records | More than 10 international candidate profiles |
| Main criteria | International experience; modern thinking; Asian understanding; long-term strategy |
| Exclusion | Not inviting Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert back |
| Vision | Stabilizing personnel, aiming for Asian Cup 2027 and World Cup dream |
Impact and prospects
This appointment decision is a foundation for PSSI to finalize the personnel structure and make a mid-term plan for the team. With the criteria framework made public, the new coach is expected to shape a clear playing identity, thereby optimizing current resources and preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Over the next two weeks, the signs to watch include the candidate’s understanding of Asia, his philosophy of organisation, his plans for player development and his commitment to building a long-term system. These will be indicators of whether this decision will be the “real turning point” that PSSI hopes.
