The search for the next Indonesia national football team coach continues without haste, as confirmed by PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir. The top coaching position for the ‘Garuda’ squad remains vacant following the departure of Patrick Kluivert, who was recently dismissed by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). Thohir appears unperturbed by the ongoing speculation, maintaining a calm stance regarding who will ultimately fill the crucial role.
Thohir’s relaxed approach is largely attributed to the upcoming schedule, with the next FIFA Matchday not slated until March. This timeline provides ample opportunity for a thorough selection process. “For the national team coach, we are giving time to the Executive Committee (Exco) and everyone involved to identify the best candidate through interviews. There’s no need to rush, especially since the next FIFA Matchday is not until March,” Thohir told media on Tuesday, November 25.
Amidst this deliberate process, numerous rumors have circulated regarding potential candidates for the Indonesia national team coaching job. Names such as Timur Kapadze and Giovanni van Bronckhorst have been widely mentioned, yet Erick Thohir has consistently refused to validate any of the circulating speculation. When pressed for details about the potential candidates, Thohir offered a concise response: “We don’t know yet.”
Interestingly, PSSI had previously announced that they had narrowed down their search to a shortlist of five potential coaches for the Indonesia national team. However, the identities of these candidates remain undisclosed. What is known is that some or all of these individuals are currently employed as coaches for other national teams or prominent clubs.
Sumardji, a PSSI official, shed light on the reasons behind the secrecy during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, November 20. “Why haven’t we revealed their names? Firstly, we respect the privacy of each head coach. Secondly, these coaches are currently engaged with clubs or other national teams. It would be inappropriate for us to disclose their names,” he explained, emphasizing the professional courtesy being extended.
Furthermore, Sumardji confirmed the next crucial steps in the selection process. “Secondly, Alexander Zwiers, along with the appointed Exco members – including myself – have been tasked with conducting interviews with these five coaches. These interviews are expected to take place in the coming weeks, and from these five names, we are committed to selecting the very best candidate for the job.”
Summary
Erick Thohir, the PSSI Chairman, has stated that the search for a new Indonesia national football team coach is not being rushed, especially after Patrick Kluivert’s departure. The next FIFA Matchday isn’t until March, providing ample time for the Executive Committee to thoroughly interview and select the best candidate.
While names like Timur Kapadze and Giovanni van Bronckhorst have been rumored, PSSI has narrowed down the search to a shortlist of five potential coaches, whose identities remain undisclosed. These candidates are currently employed, and PSSI is respecting their privacy and current commitments during the selection process involving interviews conducted by Alexander Zwiers and appointed Exco members.