Indonesia coach Herdman calls Malaysia match a "derby
Indonesia’s head coach John Herdman said the upcoming ASEAN Cup clash with Malaysia carries the emotional weight of a "derby" for fans of both nations, calling it a high-stakes encounter beyond just points.
Source: Kosmo Online · September 27, 2026 at 2:02 PM · AI-assisted report
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SINGAPORE, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Indonesia’s head coach John Herdman said the upcoming ASEAN Cup clash with Malaysia carries the emotional weight of a "derby" for fans of both nations, calling it a high-stakes encounter beyond just points.
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Herdman, who was appointed this year, described the rivalry as intense, saying he has faced daily pressure to defeat Malaysia since taking charge. "Every day at breakfast, the same person tells me, ‘When you face Malaysia, you have to win,’" he told a local portal, likening it to the fierce local derbies he experienced in England. He previously compared it to the Canada-US rivalry during his time managing the Canadian national team.
The Indonesian coach acknowledged the significance, stating: "When I was in Canada, we often faced the US, and it was a very tough match. So I understand this is a big derby." Indonesia’s tournament began with a 2-0 win over Singapore, setting the tone for the Group A showdown against Malaysia, which will determine early momentum in the competition.
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