John Herdman Highlights Youth Pathway to Indonesia's Senior Team

January 13, 2026 | 07:36 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian National Team head coach John Herdman emphasizes the importance of a clear, sustainable program that allows young players to consistently progress to the senior level. According to him, a consistent culture and tactics from the youth level are the key to accelerating the readiness of young players to face the highest level.

Herdman says that he will work closely with the coaches of the U-20 and U-23 national teams to unify their coaching philosophies. "This is important to ensure a faster and consistent transition of young players to the senior team," Herdman told reporters at Hotel Mulia in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

He explains his experience in building a development system in Canada. Herdman managed the Canadian women's national team from 2011 to 2018, then led the men's national team until 2023 and successfully guided them to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. "My role in Canada was not only to coach the senior team but also to program a clear pathway from the U-20, U-23, to the senior team," said the coach born in Consett, County Durham, England, on July 19, 1975.

He sees the U-23 team as an essential stepping stone for young players who want to compete at the highest level. Herdman believes that a national team's strength is measured by its ability to build a pathway for young players. "There must be a clear pathway to the senior national team. We need to find ways to accelerate their abilities to be ready when they move up the ranks," said the coach who also handles the Indonesian U-23 national team.

He adds that consistency in coaching philosophy is a key element in the system. Therefore, collaboration with the U-20 and U-23 coaching staff will be a priority. "We need consistency in the elements of philosophy, both in culture and tactics," he said.

According to Herdman, every coach has a different approach, but there must be a common framework so that players do not struggle when moving up the ranks. "When there are differences in systems and cultures, players still need to be ready. When they get the call, they should be able to play immediately," he said.

He emphasizes that consistency in tactics and strategy will ease the players' adjustment to the next level, especially amidst a busy calendar and international windows. "Time is very limited, so the readiness of the players is crucial," Herdman said.

Read: John Herdman Talks of AFF and 2027 Asian Cup Targets

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

John Herdman Talks of AFF and 2027 Asian Cup Targets

1 jam lalu

John Herdman Unveils Vision for Indonesia National Team

3 jam lalu

John Herdman on Indonesia's World Cup Ambition: "Pressure Is a Privilege"

5 jam lalu

PSSI to Introduce John Herdman as New Indonesian National Team Coach

2 hari lalu

New Indonesia National Team Coach John Herdman Arrives in Jakarta

2 hari lalu

John Herdman Officially Appointed Coach of Indonesia's National and U-23 Teams

10 hari lalu

Today's Top 3 News: PSSI Appoints John Herdman to Lead Indonesian National Team

24 hari lalu

Analyst Says John Herdman Needs to Assess Character of Indonesian National Team Players

24 hari lalu

PSSI Appoints John Herdman to Lead Indonesian National Team

25 hari lalu

Who Is John Herdman, Indonesia's Top Candidate for National Team Coach?

25 hari lalu