Patrick Kluivert's Open Letter After Failing To Bring Indonesia To The 2026 World Cup: Ready To Take Responsibility

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian national team, Patrick Kluivert, wrote an open message after failing to deliver his troops to the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch coach admitted that he was responsible for the failures that occurred.

In a letter uploaded on Instagram, Kluiver also expressed feelings of sadness and disappointment over what happened. However, he still assessed that there were many positive things that could be learned from Indonesia's journey so far.

"For Indonesia, I feel the pain and disappointment you feel. The defeat against Saudi Arabia and Iraq is a bitter lesson, but also a reminder of how high our dreams are together," Kluiver wrote in a statement quoted on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

On the same occasion, he also claimed responsibility for the situation. He also stated that the Indonesian national team had given all its ability to be able to advance to the 2026 World Cup.

"As a coach, I take full responsibility. We have given everything, with heart, with discipline, with unity."

"Every day, this team works to grow, learn, and to represent Indonesia with great pride."

"We were unable to reach the 2026 World Cup, but we have set new standards, which we built with confidence," wrote the former Barcelona player.

Despite failing to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, Kluivert said the level of the team was now much different thanks to the journey it had taken. From there, he guaranteed that the Indonesian national team would continue to grow and deserve to be on another big stage.

"We are working tirelessly to bring players from within the country and abroad into the same family, with the support of my staff who are always together and stand with one heart and one voice."

"This is part of a longer journey, for the team, for the nation, and for everyone who believes in Indonesian football."

"Progress takes time. The things we build together will continue to grow, beyond today. Seeds have been planted, in the mind, in the culture, and in the belief that Indonesia deserves to be on the big stage," he wrote.

Due to this failure, the pressure for Kluivert to leave the coaching chair echoed. Regarding that, he admitted that he did not know for sure what to do after this.

However, the Indonesian National Team Manager, Sumardji, stated that there would be an evaluation carried out by the PSSI Executive Committee regarding the journey of the Indonesian national team, including the position of Patrick Kluivert.