Erick Thohir Responds to Calls to Keep Nova Arianto: “Coaching Changes Are Calculated Decisions

Jakarta, April 17, 2025 – Following the Indonesian U-17 national team’s painful exit from the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025, netizens flooded social media with support for Nova Arianto, calling for him to remain head coach. In response, PSSI President Erick Thohir made it clear that all coaching decisions are made through comprehensive reviews, not public pressure.

“I believe the prerogative to change coaches lies with PSSI, and we make calculated decisions,” Erick explained in his statement.
“We don’t replace a coach just because of one or two results. This evaluation has been planned since the disappointing match against China.”

Thohir also acknowledged Nova’s achievement in helping Indonesia qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, describing him as a product of long-term national football development.

“Coach Nova is a result of long-term investment, not just one or two years. He was inspired by his father who was also a coach. But I don’t want national football to be defined by a single person — not even myself.”

Erick urged the public to avoid divisive narratives and instead support the team’s ongoing development through constructive input and unity.