Erick Thohir Invites All United for Indonesian Football and Supports John Herdman

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Chairman of the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, called for the importance of maximum support from all elements of national football after John Herdman was officially introduced as the head coach of the Indonesian National Team. According to Erick, Herdman's vision and experience will be optimally realized with synergy and full support from all parties.

“I expect maximum support from the players, managers, and also national football lovers who want to appreciate the process of forming the national team to be more competitive,” he said in Jakarta, Tuesday (13/1/2026).

Erick also expressed his deep appreciation for the positive reception from the media, PSSI managers, and football lovers since the name John Herdman first appeared as a candidate for national coach. This moment marks a new chapter for national football, in which PSSI is fully committed to taking the National Team to a higher level.

“This is a moment where PSSI and Indonesian football enter a new era, handled by coaches like John Herdman,” he said. According to Erick, Herdman's vision and experience will be optimally realized with synergy and full support from all parties.

In the introductory session that took place at Hotel Mulia, Senayan, Jakarta, John Herdman himself has expressed his views. He sees pressure as a privilege.

“Leading a national team means shouldering the hopes of a nation. That pressure can be a curse, but it can also be a blessing. We chose to make it a blessing,” Herdman revealed, pointing to the positive mentality that will be instilled in the team.

Herdman also stressed that great achievements require process and consistency. “Qualifying for the World Cup doesn't happen overnight. Canada took decades to achieve that. Indonesia has made one big step, a very important step, and now our task is to take the next step,” he added, giving a realistic but optimistic perspective.

Alongside Herdman's introduction, the PSSI also introduced Cesar Meylan as a physical performance coach who would assist Herdman and focus on developing aspects of the player's fitness, strength, and physical endurance.