Kluivert Doesn't Guarantee Naturalized Players Always Get The Opportunity To Appear

The coach of the Indonesian national team, Patrick Kluiver. (Instagram.com/@pssi)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian national team, Patrick Kluivert, gave ultimatums to naturalized players in the team to continue to maintain quality. This was revealed by Kluiver because he did not guarantee that players labeled the national team would always get playing minutes.

The Indonesian national team has just reaped satisfactory results in the 2026 World Cup Qualification continued match. Entertaining China at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on June 5, the hosts won 1-0 in front of their own supporters.

But before the match against China, in the long preparation of Kluivert crossed out five players from 28 names who were called to the training camp (TC). Jordi Amat and Shayne Pattynama became the names who left the team.

During the match against China, the coach then included Egy Maulana Vikri, Ricky Kambuaya, Yakob Sayuri, and Rizky Ridho as starters.

In the second half, Kluivert chose to lower, Beckham Putra Nugraha. Meanwhile, at the end of the match, it was Ramadhan Sananta who was given playing minutes.

Regarding his decision, Kluivert stated that he chose players based on his abilities, not because of descent. The former Dutch striker also ensured that naturalized players would not automatically have the opportunity to compete.

Everything is based on the ability of the players. I also give local players the opportunity if they are worthy. I have also said from the start that it was announced as a local coach that I want to see all the local players because I have great respect for the loka players," Kluiver said in a press conference session after the match against China.

If they show quality, I will give them a chance. Moreover, I feel that the mixing of local and diaspora players makes the team stronger. And about naturalized players, they are not guaranteed to always play. They also have to compete with local players," he said.

Asked about the decision to re-aturize players, Kluivert firmly closed the door. The quality of the current Indonesian national team players is an excuse.

"I'm satisfied with the team right now, I'm happy with the players, the players are enough. So I'm going with the players I have in the squad right now," he said.