The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has made a landmark decision by stipulating a 'mandatory residency within Indonesia' for national team coaches, indicating a significant shift in their coaching appointment policy. This move clearly opposes remote management or frequent overseas stays, asserting through a strong message that coaches who act like Klinsmann will face immediate dismissal, thereby demanding total commitment. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this policy change and its potential impact on the future of Indonesian football.
PSSI's decision seems to be connected with the actions of the most recent coaches. Following the dismissal of Coach Shin Tae-yong, Patrick Kluivert took over but his tenure was disappointingly short. Under Kluivert, Indonesia managed only 3 wins in 8 matches and failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which led to their mutual parting of ways. This highlights PSSI's desire for genuine transformational leadership beyond just hiring big-name coaches.
Analyzing Kluivert's brief stint requires considering multiple tactical and environmental factors. It’s likely he struggled to identify and embed his tactical philosophy in the team within such a short time. Given the individual skills of Indonesian players and the league's level, the coach needed to focus on enhancing player strengths and addressing weaknesses through tailored tactics. The statistics of 3 wins in 8 matches suggest Kluivert didn't have enough time or support to fully steer the team in the desired direction. Moreover, continuous and direct communication and training with the squad—which are essential for improving team proficiency—are impossible with remote management.
The ‘mandatory residency’ clause highlighted by PSSI is more than an administrative demand; it’s pivotal in enhancing the coach’s tactical engagement and bonding with the team. Residing locally allows a coach to monitor players’ daily lives and conditions directly, fostering cultural understanding and team cohesion. This leads to effective off-the-field player management, connections with the youth system, and a deeper comprehension of Indonesian football culture, which are crucial for improving national team competitiveness in the long term. The metaphor of 'not acting like Klinsmann' underlines PSSI's unwavering commitment to prioritizing 'ownership' and 'dedication' towards the team.
Taking over as Kluivert's successor, John Herdman was appointed on January 3 with a 2-year contract (with a 2-year extension option). Now, under clear terms of PSSI's new policy, Herdman faces the significant challenge of proving his capabilities. We must observe how his tactical approach aligns with the Indonesian squad and how effectively he reconstructs and stabilizes the team's tactics while residing locally. Enhancing the team’s defensive stability and fixing the attacking approach seen during Kluivert’s tenure will be top priorities.
In conclusion, PSSI’s decisive action can be interpreted as a strategy for the long-term development of Indonesian football. The commitment to 'dedication to the team' and 'local engagement leadership' indicates an aspiration to fundamentally reform the team’s structure. John Herdman is tasked with opening a new chapter in Indonesian football’s history, and his success will be a crucial test for whether PSSI’s new policy can bring positive changes to Indonesian football.
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