Indonesia's newly appointed national team boss John Herdman isn't backing down from the massive expectations on his shoulders. At his first press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, the experienced coach said he actually welcomes the pressure.
"Pressure is a privilege," Herdman declared. "You come into an organisation, you lead a team, and you also carry this country." That's quite a statement from someone who knows exactly what he's getting into.
The British coach has an interesting take on handling expectations. He believes pressure can flip from being a curse to becoming a massive advantage. It all depends on how you harness the energy from passionate supporters.
"It can be a curse, or it can be a blessing," Herdman explained. "We will optimize it into a blessing for all of us. I will tell the players that pressure is a blessing. We will listen to the fans, we will use their energy."
Taking Over After World Cup Disappointment
Herdman steps into a challenging situation. Indonesia crashed out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last October after back-to-back losses to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the fourth round of Asian qualifying. Those defeats ended their dreams and cost previous manager Patrick Kluivert his job.
Kluivert lasted just 10 months after being appointed in January 2025. The pressure to deliver immediate results in Indonesian football is real, and it claimed another victim.
For bettors watching Indonesia's future matches, this coaching change could signal a fresh tactical approach. Herdman's track record suggests improved organization and team culture, which typically leads to better consistency in results over time.
A Proven Track Record With Canada
So who is this guy making bold statements about pressure? Herdman made history with Canada, becoming the first coach ever to lead both men's and women's teams from the same country to a World Cup.
He coached Canada's women from 2011 to 2018, winning back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. He also guided them to the quarter-finals of the 2015 Women's World Cup on home soil.
Then he switched to the men's side and pulled off something spectacular. He led Canada to their first World Cup in 36 years, qualifying for Qatar 2022. He completely transformed Canadian soccer's culture and competitiveness on the international stage.
Indonesia will be hoping Herdman can work similar magic with the Garuda squad. His experience in building teams and handling World Cup pressure could be exactly what they need for future qualifying campaigns.
