Indonesia before the turning point: Timur Kapadze and pressing 4-3-3
Timur Kapadze has emerged as a candidate to lead the Indonesian national team, promising to bring modern pressing with a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system, different from the three-center-back formation.
The image of Timur Kapadze meeting Effendi Gazali has spread, giving more basis to the rumor that the Uzbek strategist has become the number one candidate for the Indonesian national team coach position. Kapadze has publicly affirmed his willingness to lead Indonesia. If the deal comes true, this could be a tactical turning point for Skuad Garuda: high-intensity pressing, proactive play and tight organization around the 4-3-3 system.
Kapadze and his convincing profile
Kapadze's reputation was built at a young age with a notable mark: the role of chief architect in the historic success of Uzbekistan winning a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. That achievement shows a coach with a modern mindset, emphasizing training science and efficiency.
Kapadze’s other notable qualities are his team-building and tactical discipline, along with his good rapport with young players. This fits well with the youth and naturalization strategy that Indonesia is pursuing.
Modern pressing philosophy: intensity and initiative
The two key words in Kapadze’s philosophy are intensity and initiative. His team presses immediately after losing possession, looking to regain possession in the shortest amount of time. When in possession, play is organised from the back, requiring defenders to be actively involved in the build-up.
Kapadze’s high pressing model is not only aimed at winning the ball, but also at positioning the players for quick transitions. The formation is therefore always linked to clear roles in each area, limiting the space behind the layers of pressure.
4-3-3/4-2-3-1: different from the three-center-back formation
Unlike Shin Tae-yong who usually favors a three-man defense, Kapadze tends to use a four-man defense, typically a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. The goal: to optimize wing attacks, increase control of the midfield, and maintain better ball structure in transition.
The combination of high pressing, quick transitions and well-organized build-ups makes Kapadze's team unpredictable, as they can quickly change the tempo and point of attack depending on the opponent.
Indonesian HR and Key Roles
If he takes over the team, Kapadze has the right pieces to operate the 4-3-3 formation:
- Defense: Jay Idzes and Rizky Ridho – good footed center-backs – provide the foundation for the build-up from the back; the two wide players, Kevin Diks and Calvin Verdonk, take on the full-time offensive and defensive roles.
- Midfield: Thom Haye sets the tempo, Joey Pelupessy provides the power, and an attacking midfielder operates between the lines to create links and threaten space.
- Attack: Modern striker Ole Romeny is the destination for quick attacks, supported by two fast and technical wingers Ragnar Oratmangoen and Miliano Jonathans.
Role-based suggestion diagram
| Area | Role | Suitable player |
|---|---|---|
| Center back | Footwork, ball development | Jay Idzes, Rizky Ridho |
| Fullback | Comprehensive offense and defense | Kevin Diks, Calvin Verdonk |
| Pivot midfielder | Regulate, power | Thom Haye, Joey Pelupessy |
| Attacking midfielder | Connecting lines, creating | An attacking midfielder |
| Center | End point, make wall | Ole Romeny |
| Winger | Horizontal stretch, breakthrough | Ragnar Oratmangoen, Miliano Jonathans |
Potential Impact on Skuad Garuda
The appointment of Kapadze is not just a change of coach but a statement of ambition and direction. An Indonesia that is more proactive off the ball, calmer in build-up, and sharper in transition is a realistic prospect if his philosophy is translated into tactical habits.
Although the final decision has not been made, expectations are rising for an Indonesian team that will embrace fiery pressing, structured control and organised attacking under Kapadze. The new turning point lies in how they choose to continue with the familiar three-man defence, or move into Kapadze’s signature 4-3-3/4-2-3-1.