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Erick Thohir: The struggle is not over, believe in the process with John Herdman

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Indonesia's national football team lost 0-3 to Vietnam in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.
  • PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir expressed continued faith in head coach John Herdman's long-term project to build a strong, competitive team.
  • Thohir acknowledged Vietnam's strength but remained optimistic about Indonesia's chances in the rest of the tournament, particularly the upcoming match against Singapore.

Despite a disappointing 0-3 loss to Vietnam in the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, the Chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), Erick Thohir, remains steadfast in his belief in the long-term vision for the national team under head coach John Herdman. The defeat, which occurred on Monday at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, highlighted the current gap between the two Southeast Asian powerhouses.

I still strongly believe in John Herdman to form a strong and competitive team step by step.

— Erick ThohirChairman of PSSI, expressing confidence in the national team's coach and development plan.

Thohir emphasized that the project to develop a formidable Indonesian squad is a gradual process. "I still strongly believe in John Herdman to form a strong and competitive team step by step," Thohir stated. He reiterated the ambition to not only compete within Southeast Asia but also to challenge teams at the Asian and global levels. "This process requires time and patience," he added, underscoring the need for sustained support and development.

This process requires time and patience.

— Erick Thohiremphasizing the long-term nature of building a competitive national football team.

Acknowledging the quality of the opposition, Thohir recognized Vietnam's status as a dominant force in the region. "We must admit that Vietnam is a strong team with a solid history. They have proven their capacity by winning the AFF Cup three times," he said. This respect for Vietnam's achievements underscores the challenge ahead for the Indonesian team.

We must admit that Vietnam is a strong team with a solid history. They have proven their capacity by winning the AFF Cup three times.

— Erick Thohiracknowledging Vietnam's strength in regional football.

Despite the setback, Thohir projected optimism for the remainder of the tournament. "I believe there is still a chance. Because this is a different tournament, hopefully, when we face Singapore, we can bounce back," he asserted. The focus now shifts to the next match, where the team aims to demonstrate progress and secure a more favorable result.

I believe there is still a chance. Because this is a different tournament, hopefully, when we face Singapore, we can bounce back.

— Erick Thohirexpressing optimism for Indonesia's prospects in the remainder of the tournament.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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