With Patrick Kluivert’s dismissal as Indonesia national team head coach, the race is now on for the Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI) to secure a suitable replacement ahead of the November 2025 international break, the final one on this year’s calendar.
PSSI president Erick Thohir confirmed that a five-man shortlist has been drawn up for the vacant post, though he declined to disclose the names under consideration. What is clear, however, is that some of the previously linked figures are no longer in contention. Shin Tae-yong has been ruled out of a return to the Timnas Garuda by Erick himself, Masatada Ishii has taken charge of BG Pathum United in Thailand, and Roberto Donadoni was recently appointed as Spezia Calcio’s new manager.
With those three names out of the frame, Football Tribe Asia takes a closer look at the potential candidates who could be among the five on Erick Thohir’s shortlist for the Indonesia hot seat.
1. Louis van Gaal
Undoubtedly the biggest name potentially linked with the role, Louis van Gaal is a managerial icon known across the footballing world. His résumé includes stints at Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and the Netherlands national team, along with numerous club-level titles and a third-place finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Reports previously suggested that Van Gaal was Erick Thohir’s first choice after the controversial sacking of Shin Tae-yong, but the Dutchman declined the opportunity at the time. Now, with Kluivert’s departure and Erick’s continued preference for a Dutch head coach, Van Gaal’s name has resurfaced as a possible target.
However, at 74 years old and having not managed since 2022, questions linger over his readiness to return to the dugout. Van Gaal himself has hinted at retirement on multiple occasions, which could make this appointment an ambitious but unlikely one.
2. Park Hang-seo
A proven success in Southeast Asia, Park Hang-seo remains one of the region’s most respected tacticians. The South Korean mastermind oversaw Vietnam’s golden era, guiding the Golden Star Warriors to regional dominance and World Cup qualification contention.
His deep understanding of Southeast Asian football makes him an attractive candidate to restore Indonesia’s momentum after the turbulence of Tae-yong’s exit. However, his penchant for lengthy training camps during his Vietnam tenure—often resulting in extended domestic league pauses—might not sit well with Indonesian Super League clubs or fans eager for a less disruptive national team calendar.
3. Timur Kapadze
A lesser-known but intriguing choice, Timur Kapadze is widely credited with Uzbekistan’s recent footballing resurgence, culminating in the White Wolves clinching qualification for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2026. Kapadze also led the Uzbekistan U-23 team to consecutive AFC U-23 Asian Cup finals, including a memorable victory over Shin Tae-yong’s Indonesia in the latest edition.
Despite his success, the Uzbekistan Football Association recently appointed Fabio Cannavaro as head coach, relegating Kapadze to an assistant role—reportedly due to his lack of star appeal rather than merit.
Interestingly, Kapadze has shown openness to the Indonesia role, responding positively to fan messages urging him to apply. With his contract in Uzbekistan nearing its end, he could be a realistic and affordable option for PSSI to consider.
4. Akira Nishino
Indonesia’s growing collaboration with Japanese football institutions adds an intriguing dimension to this discussion. The appointments of Takeyuki Oya as I League General Manager of Competitions and Operations and Yoshimi Ogawa as PSSI’s Head of Referees’ Committee highlight a strengthening footballing partnership between the two nations.
While Masatada Ishii seemed a logical candidate before his move to BG Pathum United, Akira Nishino now emerges as a viable alternative. A respected figure with experience managing both Japan and Thailand, Nishino led Japan to the 2018 World Cup Round of 16 and delivered Gamba Osaka the 2008 AFC Champions League title.
However, the 69-year-old tactician has been out of management since 2021, and much like Van Gaal, would likely need time to reacquaint himself with the fast-paced demands of the modern game.
5. Nova Arianto
Perhaps the most unexpected name on this list, Nova Arianto represents the local candidate who could provide both continuity and familiarity. Having served as Shin Tae-yong’s assistant, Nova played a crucial role in bridging communication between the Korean coaching staff and Indonesian players.
That experience has clearly paid dividends. As head coach of the Indonesia U-17 national team, Nova guided the young Garudas to qualification for both the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar—a commendable achievement that underscores his tactical growth and leadership potential.
Though lacking in international prestige, Nova’s appointment could appease fans nostalgic for the Tae-yong era, representing a continuation of his predecessor’s philosophy without a drastic overhaul.
As Indonesia looks to build upon recent progress and reignite its World Cup ambitions, the next head coach appointment could shape the national team’s direction for years to come. Erick Thohir’s decision will be a defining one—balancing experience, tactical vision, and regional familiarity with the nation’s growing footballing ambitions.
Whether PSSI opts for a seasoned veteran like Van Gaal or Nishino, a regional expert like Park Hang-seo, a progressive figure like Kapadze, or a homegrown talent in Nova Arianto, the stakes are higher than ever for the Timnas Garuda. The November international window may well mark the dawn of a new chapter in Indonesian football.