Nova Arianto to Focus on Indonesia U-20 Team, Will Not Join John Herdman’s Staff

Jakarta – Nova Arianto will not be joining John Herdman as an assistant coach for the Indonesian national team, as he will continue to focus on his role as the head coach of the Indonesia U-20 national team. This decision was confirmed by Sumardji, Chairman of the PSSI National Team Body.

Sumardji explained that Nova Arianto has been entrusted with the significant responsibility of leading the U-20 team, which has a busy schedule of upcoming events. “Nova Arianto has been plotted as a coach for the Indonesian U-20 National Team. Because, he has a pretty large responsibility. The agenda of the U-20 is that there will be a lot in the future so he focuses more on that direction,” Sumardji stated as reported by Voi.id.

While John Herdman was expected to have a local assistant coach, PSSI is open to considering other candidates from the Super League and Championship, but the final decision rests with Herdman. Sumardji indicated that PSSI will provide recommendations, but the ultimate choice of who will assist Herdman is his alone. “Yes, I just said that it’s not just the two of them, there are many of us. I as well received input from some friends who already have licenses in coaching, yes, that’s what we will say. Later, let’s come back, let John choose who he wants to choose,” Sumardji said according to Voi.id.

This decision follows a pattern established during Patrick Kluivert’s tenure as coach, where no local coaches were included in the coaching staff despite initial interviews. PSSI has made it a requirement for Herdman to involve local coaching staff to facilitate knowledge transfer as reported by Kompas, and Tribunnews.

Despite initially confirming Nova Arianto would join the team as stated by Kompas, Bolasport.com reported that he will now prioritize his role with the U-20 team.