JAKARTA - 8 JAN - Patrick Kluivert, the Dutch and Barcelona football legend, was named as the new coach of Indonesia's national team on Wednesday, with the task of leading the country to its first World Cup since independence.
JAKARTA - 8 JAN - Patrick Kluivert, the Dutch and Barcelona football legend, was named as the new coach of Indonesia's national team on Wednesday, with the task of leading the country to its first World Cup since independence. The 48-year-old former striker signed a two-year contract running from 2025 to 2027, with an option for an extension. Kluivert, who is set to arrive in Indonesia on Saturday and be introduced to the public the next day, will take charge of a team primarily consisting of players born in the Netherlands and naturalized to play for Indonesia. The appointment follows the controversial sacking of South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong earlier this week, despite his success in guiding Indonesia to the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying.
Kluivert’s managerial experience has been less illustrious than his playing career, with his most recent role being a brief stint in 2023 as head coach of Adana Demirspor in Turkey. He has also served as an assistant coach for Cameroon and the Dutch national team. Indonesia, currently ranked 127th in the FIFArankings, is third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, with one win and three draws from six games. The top two teams from the group automatically qualify for the tournament, while third and fourth will enter another round of qualification. Kluivert's first major challenge will be a crucial match against Australia in March.
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