Coach Kim Sang Sik 'spies on' the Indonesian team, Coach John Herdman is not worried

Coach John Herdman, when asked about Coach Kim Sang Sik coming to the stadium to watch Indonesia's match against Mozambique on the evening of June 9, stated: "He is scouting!"

A special "spy" appeared in the stands during the FIFA Days friendly match between the Indonesian national team and Mozambique, held on the evening of June 9 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta).

The match ended with a 1-0 victory for the Indonesian team, thanks to a sole goal from Ole Romeny.

The figure in question is the head coach of the Vietnamese national team, Kim Sang Sik. The South Korean manager wore a white polo shirt, carried a backpack, and blended in with the fans who came to watch the match.

Coach Kim Sang Sik's appearance is believed to be aimed at directly assessing the current strength of the Indonesian team ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup. After the match, Coach John Herdman was asked by Indonesian media about the presence of his Vietnamese counterpart.

John Herdman believes that Coach Kim Sang Sik is indeed "spying" on the Indonesian team ahead of a potential showdown at the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

However, the English tactician asserted that he is not concerned because Indonesia will field a different squad for the regional tournament.

"Regarding the presence of the Vietnam national team coach tonight, of course he is watching us. But I don't think the lineup Indonesia uses now will be the same as the one competing in the ASEAN Cup.

The playing style will be different, the tactical formation will be different, and the approach to the match will also be different. We have been preparing for that since May.

The June FIFA Days are a special period when we have the services of players currently playing in Europe. For the ASEAN Cup, the squad will also be somewhat different. I hope he managed to observe a few players, and I wish him all the best."

Coach John Herdman noted that many Indonesian players have shown significant improvement after two matches during the June FIFA Days.

In particular, players likely to feature in the 2026 ASEAN Cup have gained valuable experience after being given opportunities against Oman and Mozambique.

Figures such as Rizky Ridho, Ivar Jenner, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Beckham Putra, and Rayhan Hannan all played and left positive impressions.

"Through these two matches, we have gained a clearer view of their performances. It is evident that Rizky and the U23 players have made good use of the chances they were given.

These players will play a very important role in the ASEAN Cup as well as in the future of Indonesian football," the English coach emphasized.