RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian national football team may have fallen short on the scoreboard, but its evolving style of play under head coach John Herdman has earned recognition from opponents, highlighting growing optimism around the squad’s future.

Bulgaria head coach Aleksandar Dimitrov praised Herdman’s quick impact after his side edged Indonesia 1-0 through a Marin Petkov penalty in the FIFA Series 2026 final at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026. Despite the result, Dimitrov admitted his team struggled against Indonesia’s attacking build-up.

“Your coach has implemented a very good style quickly, especially in building attacks. We had difficulties there,” Dimitrov said in a post-match press conference, as quoted by Antara.

The Bulgarian coach said Indonesia’s performance reflects strong potential moving forward, expressing confidence in the team’s prospects at the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. “I think you have a very good team with a bright future,” he added.

Dimitrov also highlighted the growing presence of Indonesian players in top European leagues, noting their competitiveness. He cited players such as Jay Idzes and Emil Audero in Italy’s Serie A, Kevin Diks in Germany’s Bundesliga, Maarten Paes in the Dutch Eredivisie, and Calvin Verdonk in France’s Ligue 1.

“We know Indonesian players very well because many of them compete in very good leagues in Europe. Your team is very serious and very good. I compare it to a mid-level European team,” said the 49-year-old coach, who previously played in Indonesia.

When asked about a possible return to Indonesia in the future, Dimitrov reiterated his fondness for the country but stressed that his current focus remains on managing Bulgaria’s national team, a role he has held since September last year.

“All my energy and work are focused on the Bulgarian national team. Everything has a beginning and an end. When that time comes, then I can think about Indonesia or elsewhere,” he concluded. ***