Pelatih timnas Indonesia John Herdman Drives Deliver a message of respect for Malaysia, calling the neighboring squad a good team while also pointing out the threat posed by a crop of new faces emerging within their ranks. His remarks came in the wake of preparations for the ASEAN Cup, where both nations are expected to compete for the title.
"Malaysia Adalah Tim yang Bagus"
Herdman, who has been leading Indonesia since taking over the national team, did not spare praise for his counterparts. Speaking to media, the Canada-born tactician said Malaysia has long been a force to be reckoned with in Southeast Asian football, both in terms of technical quality and fighting spirit on the pitch.
According to him, Malaysia's playing style and squad depth make them a difficult opponent for any team, including Indonesia. "They are a good team," Herdman remarked, adding that the Malaysian squad has good players in every line, from the goalkeeper to the forwards.
The Australian-based coach acknowledged that Malaysia's presence in the tournament has elevated the level of competition. He said facing a team of Malaysia's caliber would force Indonesia to be at their very best in every match, and that there is no room for error in a tournament where margins between teams are razor thin.
Ancaman dari Pemain Baru
Despite the praise, Herdman also issued a warning. He noted that Malaysia's current squad is no longer the same team from several years ago, with a number of new, younger players having broken into the lineup. To him, these emerging talents are the biggest source of danger for Indonesia.
"The new players are the ones we need to watch," he said, explaining that young and hungry players tend to be fearless, full of energy, and unafraid to take on established opponents. He added that such players can inject freshness and unpredictability into a team's rhythm, making them harder to read and defend against.
Persaingan yang Ketat di Depan Kaki
Herdman emphasized that modern football is increasingly decided by the bench, not just the starting eleven. A squad with strong depth options gives a coach the ability to rotate players without losing quality, and Malaysia, he believes, now has that luxury.
He pointed out that the emergence of new talent also signals Malaysia's investment in development and youth programs. For the Indonesian camp, this is a signal that preparations cannot be based solely on the players Malaysia fielded in previous editions of the tournament.
Persiapan Indonesia
On home soil, Indonesia are expected to bank on home support to push them through the group stage and into the knockout rounds. Herdman said his side would need discipline, patience, and focus against teams of Malaysia's quality, particularly in tight matches decided by small details.
He also reminded his players that there are no small opponents in regional competitions. Every match in the ASEAN Cup must be treated as a final, he said, because a single slip could derail an entire campaign.
Herdman is expected to continue monitoring Malaysia's training and player availability in the run-up to the tournament. With both nations known as fierce rivals, their meetings in the ASEAN Cup have historically produced dramatic encounters, and this year's edition is unlikely to be any different.
The comments underline the high level of respect between the two camps, as well as the caution each side feels toward the other. Malaysia, according to Herdman, are a fine team; but a fine team armed with hungry new players, he warned, is a much bigger problem.
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