Erick Thohir to Announce New PSSI Director in Late February
Jakarta – The search for the right figure to become the Technical Director (Dirtek) of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has proven to be a challenging task for Chairman Erick Thohir. In an interview with sports media Skor on Sunday, January 19, 2025, Erick outlined the requirements and plans for announcing the new Dirtek.
Erick emphasized the difficulty in finding the right Dirtek figure due to the presence of several successful coaches in Indonesia with proven track records. He expressed the need to find an individual who is highly respected and understands the future plans for Indonesian football. Additionally, Erick highlighted the challenge of finding a Dirtek willing to commit full-time to living in Indonesia.
Challenges in the Selection Process
Despite initially identifying three potential candidates last month, Erick mentioned that the decision-making process has been dynamic, with changes in the selection. He expressed hope that by the end of February, the new Dirtek could be officially announced. The chosen Dirtek should be able to collaborate with senior coaches across various age groups, including U-23, U-20, and U-17 teams.
Furthermore, Erick emphasized the importance of the Dirtek being actively involved in local communities to convey the philosophy of Indonesian football. While acknowledging that PSSI has established methodologies, he stressed the need for continuous improvement and development in football strategies.
Assistant Coach Selection Process
Regarding the selection of assistant coaches for the national team, Erick revealed plans to appoint two Indonesian assistant coaches. However, in a larger strategic vision for PSSI, an additional assistant coach will be added to work closely with coaches at all levels, from U-20 to senior teams.
Erick hinted at the possibility of the new assistant coach focusing on player regeneration and potentially assisting in youth age groups. He mentioned that the final decision on this matter would be announced by Patrick Kluivert.
Emphasizing Collaboration and Sustainability
Erick underscored that the decisions regarding the new Dirtek and assistant coaches were the result of extensive discussions. He believed that the success of a program relied not only on the quality of coaches and players but also on the continuous regeneration process. Collaboration among coaches is essential for sustaining the development of football in Indonesia.
In conclusion, Erick hinted that the announcement of the assistant coaches would precede the appointment of the new Dirtek by the end of February, indicating a comprehensive approach to restructuring PSSI’s coaching staff.
