John Herdman's debut as head coach of Indonesia has been marred by early disappointment as the team was eliminated from the ASEAN Championship. Despite strong initial performances, including two impressive wins, Indonesia faltered in subsequent matches, finishing third in their group. This failure prompted an angry response from fans, who confronted Herdman and the players after their final game, expressing their frustration at the team's second consecutive group stage exit. Herdman will now face mounting pressure as Indonesia prepares for upcoming matches in the FIFA ASEAN Cup and the challenging 2027 AFC Asian Cup. His contract continues until 2028, but the road ahead looks daunting.

By the Numbers
  • Indonesia won 5 of their first 6 matches under Herdman.
  • They finished with a 3rd place standing in their group after 2 wins and 2 losses.
State of Play
  • Herdman’s team faced a 3-0 defeat to Vietnam, followed by a 1-1 draw with Singapore.
  • Fans confronted Herdman post-match due to the team's disappointing exit.
What's Next

Indonesia's next challenge includes facing Singapore, India, and Malaysia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup starting in September. Additionally, the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup in January will further test Herdman's coaching capabilities against stronger rivals like Japan and Qatar.

Bottom Line

Herdman’s success in Indonesia is under scrutiny following dismal performances in the ASEAN Championship, with fan discontent signaling that immediate improvements are critical for his tenure. With tough matches ahead, both Indonesia and Herdman need to regroup quickly to restore faith among supporters.