JAKARTA – As the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia approaches, Indonesia national team head coach John Herdman is actively instilling a “warrior mentality” into the Skuad Garuda. Despite being drawn into a daunting group alongside football powerhouses Japan, Qatar, and Thailand, Herdman remains undeterred. Instead of viewing the pressure as a burden, he is encouraging his players to embrace it as a vital tool to shock the Asian football scene.
Herdman believes that overcoming intense challenges is essential for developing the character necessary to compete at the highest level. “I think, as a coach, our job is to normalize pressure—to shift the perspective from seeing it as a threat to viewing it as an opportunity and a challenge,” Herdman stated via the official Indonesia national team YouTube channel.
Currently, the coaching staff is prioritizing mental fortitude alongside technical and tactical refinement. The British coach is adamant that the squad must cultivate the courage to perform under the intense atmosphere of major tournaments without fear. By fostering a team culture defined by mental strength and confidence, Herdman aims to ensure that Indonesia remains competitive even when facing Asia’s elite teams.
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“It is about ensuring we have the right balance of personality and character—players who we know can handle the weight of expectation and turn it into something exciting,” he added. Herdman is determined to prevent pressure from stifling Indonesia’s performance, emphasizing that veterans with experience in high-stakes matches must mentor those who are less accustomed to the spotlight.
“We are trying to pass that experience on to those who haven’t faced it before, so we can minimize the negative effects of pressure. Pressure is inevitable; whether we like it or not, it is there,” Herdman explained.
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The Group F draw has presented a significant challenge for Indonesia, pairing them with Japan, a frequent World Cup participant; Qatar, the defending Asian champions; and Thailand, a fierce rival within the ASEAN region. With these titans on the horizon, Herdman’s focus on building a resilient foundation remains the team’s best hope for a historic run in the upcoming tournament.
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Summary
Indonesia national team coach John Herdman is preparing the squad for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup by instilling a “warrior mentality” and encouraging them to embrace pressure. Despite being drawn into a challenging group with Japan, Qatar, and Thailand, Herdman views pressure as an opportunity to develop the character needed to compete at the highest level.
The coaching staff is prioritizing mental fortitude alongside technical and tactical refinement to ensure Indonesia can perform under intense tournament atmospheres without fear. Herdman aims to build a resilient team, with experienced players mentoring newer ones, to prevent pressure from stifling performance against Asia’s elite teams.