Indonesia's new football coach terms pressure as "privilege"

JAKARTA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's new national football team head coach John Herdman said on Tuesday that he is not afraid of the pressure of leading the Garuda squad, calling it a privilege at his first press conference in Jakarta.

"Pressure is a privilege. You come into an organization, you lead a team, and you also carry this country," Herdman said.

Herdman said pressure can be viewed from different perspectives and can become a "blessing," as support from fans can provide positive momentum.

"Now, it can be a curse or it can be a blessing. We will optimize it into a blessing for all of us. It will be a huge opportunity if I can carry that forward and pass it on to the players," the British coach said.

"When a country stands still and qualifies for the first time, I enjoy that moment. So I understand it. I will tell the players that pressure is a blessing. We will listen to the fans, we will use their energy," he added.

Indonesia failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in October last year after suffering two defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers under then head coach Patrick Kluivert.

Kluivert's contract was terminated after a 10-month tenure since his appointment in January, 2025. ■