From Amiril Muttaqien Meketar
JAKARTA, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Newly appointed Indonesia head coach John Herdman believes the pressure surrounding the national team’s long wait for an ASEAN Hyundai Cup title could serve as added motivation.
The 50-year-old, who assumed the duty earlier this year, had sets his sights on guiding the Garuda Team to their first-ever triumph in the Southeast Asia’s jewel-crown football showpiece.
Since taking charge, the former Canada coach admitted he has been frequently reminded of Indonesia’s near misses, with their best achievement of emerging as runners-up for six times in the competition, but remains focused on changing the narrative during the 16th edition of the tournament which will kick off July 24 to Aug 26.
“I’ve heard that (they are) six-time finalists since I arrived here, and hopefully this edition we get a chance to put that right.
“So to be first and to pioneer and to usher Indonesia into a new era, that’s what stands in front of this group of men and myself as a coach, the organisation and a fan base. So that’s all the motivation we need,” he told reporters when met at the mixed zone after the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 official draw, here, today.
Indonesia have been drawn in Group A with defending champions Vietnam, four-time winners Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the Brunei versus Timor-Leste playoff.
However, Herdman acknowledged that the tournament remains a tough one, with most teams competing on an equal playing field.
The Englishman took over the reins from Patrick Kluivert after the Dutchman and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) mutually agreed to part ways last October, following their exit in the fourth phase of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
In the meantime, seven time-champions Thailand were placed in Group B with 2010 champion Malaysia, five-time semi-finalists the Philippines, two-time semi-finalists Myanmar and Laos.
Although pleased with the draw, Thailand head coach Anthony Hudson said there will be no easy games in Group B including against Malaysia.
“When you look at the other group, you’ve got Indonesia in there and Vietnam they’re all complicated groups. I just think we’re in a group where all games will be complicated and tough, but if we had to pick a group, this is what we would pick,” he said.
Philippines gaffer Carles Cuadrat, on the other hand, mentioned the Azkals were looking forward to face the War Elephants, who are the most successful team with seven titles in the competition.
-- BERNAMA
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