During the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, Herdman stated that his career is about "working with a federation that has the vision to take the country to a place that has never been before," and he believed Indonesia has such a spirit.
"With a population of 280 million, of which 80 to 90 per cent of its people are football mad, they love their football; this is the place to be. I want to be here when this country takes that step," the new national team coach stated.
The 50-year-old football manager was hired on a 2+2 contract scheme, with the first two-year term may be extended for an additional two years.
During his tenure in Indonesia, Herdman has also been mandated to oversee the U-23 national football team.
Regarding his strategy for coaching the national team, Herdman highlighted the need for strong synergy among the U-17, U-20, U-23, and senior teams to ensure younger players can adapt smoothly when they are called up to the senior side.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining consistency in the “training philosophy” as well as the “cultural and tactical” framework to serve as a bridge across the age-group teams.
Such an approach is necessary, he said, because “the international window is too short” for players to adjust to different cultures and playing habits when stepping up to a higher level.
On the same occasion, PSSI also introduced Cesar Meylan as the assistant physical trainer for the national football team, continuing his years-long collaboration with Herdman that has spanned from Toronto FC to Canada's national football teams.
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Translator: Zaro Ezza S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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