REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesian national team head coach John Herdman is optimistic about his maiden match with Garuda in the FIFA Series. He confirmed that his team is ready to take on a big responsibility when it faces St. Kitts and Nevis on Friday (27/3/2026) at 20.00 pm at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) Senayan, Jakarta.
Herdman hopes that the full support of the fans will crowd SUGBK to provide additional energy for the players.
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“It's going to be a big game. We are very enthusiastic and hope that tens of thousands of fans will be present to support us to win,” Herdman said after leading a training session at Madya Stadium, Senayan, on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
He stressed that the main challenge in international football is bringing together players from different backgrounds of clubs and leagues of different intensities in a short period of time.
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According to Herdman, the team of coaches he brings, with more than two decades of experience, has set up systems and structures to bridge those differences. However, he admitted the preparation time of just two days was a challenge.
“We have to work very quickly tactically. The players are already receiving material before coming to training concentration, including through video analysis sessions,” he said.
Before training on the pitch, Herdman revealed the team had had a strategy discussion in GBK's indoor area. This is done so that the players immediately focus on work while on the field.
“They come here for work, not on vacation. Defending the country is an honour that must be fought for,” he said.
