Indonesia National Team: John Herdman Announces New Coaching Staff for 2026 FIFA Series
Jakarta – John Herdman has assembled a coaching staff blending international expertise with local knowledge as he prepares to lead the Indonesian national team into the FIFA Series 2026, beginning .
The composition of the staff reflects Herdman’s desire to quickly understand the nuances of Indonesian football culture while simultaneously implementing modern training methodologies and preparing the team for international competition. The tournament, hosted at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, will feature Bulgaria, the Solomon Islands, and Saint Kitts and Nevis alongside Indonesia.
Combining International and Local Expertise
Herdman has brought in several experienced individuals from his previous roles, notably Cesar Meylan, who will serve as the team’s performance coach. Meylan previously worked alongside Herdman during his tenure with the Canadian national team. This continuity is intended to ensure a seamless transition and consistent application of proven training principles.
Recognizing the importance of local insight, Herdman has too incorporated Indonesian coaches into the setup. Nova Arianto will play a key role in bridging the gap between Herdman’s international approach and the specific characteristics of Indonesian football.
The Coaching Structure
Simon Grayson, Steven Vitoria, and Nova Arianto will all serve as assistant coaches, providing support to Herdman in on-field training and tactical planning. Andrej Kostolansky will oversee the goalkeeping department, assisted by Damian van Rensburg.
Supporting the on-field coaching staff, Sofie Imam Faizal will focus on physical conditioning, while Dzikry Lazuardi will be responsible for video analysis. The medical team will be led by doctor Alfan Asyhar, with fisioterapis Titus Argatama and Firdausi Kahfi providing crucial support to player health, and recovery.
Adaptation is Key
Herdman has emphasized the importance of striking a balance between modern coaching techniques and a deep understanding of the local footballing landscape. He believes that this combination will be crucial for building a team that is not only tactically sound but also culturally aligned.
“Adaptation is key,” Herdman stated, according to sources close to the team. “We need to respect the traditions and strengths of Indonesian football while also introducing new ideas and approaches. This structure is designed to facilitate that process.”
Full List of Indonesian National Team Coaching Staff
- Technical Advisor: Jordi Cruyff
- Technical Director: Alexander Zwiers
- Head Scout: Simon Tahamata
- Head Coach: John Herdman
- Assistant Coaches: Simon Grayson, Steven Vitoria, Nova Arianto
- Performance Coach: Cesar Meylan
- Physical Coach: Sofie Imam Faizal
- Goalkeeping Coach: Andrej Kostolansky
- Assistant Goalkeeping Coach: Damian van Rensburg
- Video Analyst: Dzikry Lazuardi
- Doctor: Alfan Asyhar
- Fisioterapis: Titus Argatama, Firdausi Kahfi
- Administrator: Maeves Glass
- Head of Education: Alistair Smith
The appointment of this diverse and experienced coaching staff signals Herdman’s commitment to building a competitive Indonesian national team capable of making significant strides on the international stage. The FIFA Series 2026 represents a crucial opportunity for Herdman to implement his vision and begin a new era for Indonesian football. Indonesia will open the tournament against Saint Kitts and Nevis on , with the match scheduled for an 8:00 PM local time kickoff.
The tournament also provides a valuable platform for Indonesia to improve its FIFA ranking, a key objective for the national team program. With a blend of established international coaches and local expertise, Herdman is aiming to create a cohesive and effective team that can compete with the best in Asia and beyond.