John Herdman Admits to Feeling Nervous Ahead of Meeting President Prabowo

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian National Team coach John Herdman admitted he was trembling ahead of his first meeting with President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, on Friday. “Yes, of course I’m trembling,” Herdman said while giving a statement to reporters before meeting the President. The tension could not be hidden despite Herdman’s vast experience on the international football stage. Even so, the 50-year-old English coach emphasised that the golden opportunity to meet face-to-face with Indonesia’s number one person was an extraordinary moment. “Yes, very enthusiastic, an honour for me,” said Herdman. The opportunity to dialogue directly with the head of state was also acknowledged by the former Canadian national team coach as a first experience he greatly valued since taking charge of the Garuda squad. “Yes, this is an honour,” said Herdman. Herdman also placed great hope that this momentum would become a morale booster. “I think always the President, his desire, his spirit, and also his support,” said Herdman when asked about the form of support he expected from the president. The coach, who has led Indonesia to two victories, stressed that the psychological influence of the country’s leader would form a strong mental foundation for the Merah Putih players. “I think his leadership and his passion for Indonesia is important for our players to know that we have our leader behind us,” said Herdman. This injection of motivation and strong leadership from the government is hoped to smooth the major long-term steps being designed by the coaching team to make new history for the nation’s football. “We hope to bring this team to the World Cup in 2030,” said Herdman. To realise the dream of reaching the finals of the world’s most prestigious tournament, Herdman called on all football lovers in the country to close ranks in providing a positive energy boost for the Garuda squad. “And we will need support from everyone,” concluded Herdman.