Patrick Kluivert Expelled From The Indonesian National Team Coach Chair, Substitute Candidates Dominated From The Netherlands Again

Mark van Bommel can be seen as a replacement for Patrick Kluivert in the Indonesian National Team (Instagram/@markvanbommel6).

JAKARTA - Patrick Kluivert's work contract as the official Indonesian national team coach ended in line with the decision made by PSSI on Thursday, October 16, 2025, afternoon WIB.

A number of names began to circulate as candidates to replace the position of Kluivert, both from coaches who had careers in the country and abroad.

Failure to lead the Indonesian national team to the 2026 World Cup stage has become a public evaluation of Kluiver's performance. The pressure to fire the Dutch coach resonated and is now being realized.

Now when the Garuda squad's coaching chair is empty, there are a number of names circulating as candidates to replace Kluivert. Trainers who have handled top European clubs can be glimpsed.

Given the position of PSSI Technical Advisor and PSSI Technical Director still inhabited by Jordi Cruyff and Alexander Zwiers, the Dutch coaches appear to be being explored again by PSSI. Here are a number of names that can be a replacement candidate.

Mark van Bommel

Mark van Bommel is also included in the list of candidates who are considered to be able to replace Patrick Kluivert. This figure who is known firmly has coached Royal Antwerp, PSV Eindhoven, and Wolfsburg.

As the former captain of the Dutch national team, Van Bommel has charisma and experience in building team characters.

His current status without a club makes his chances of being recruited open enough. He is considered to be able to bring a champion mentality and aggressive playing style that matches the character of young Indonesian players.

Phillip Cocu

Phillip Cocu is another name who is said to be able to fill the Indonesian national team coach seat. He has a solid track record in the coaching world, has handled PSV Eindhoven and is an assistant coach of the Dutch national team.

Cocu is known as a coach who prioritizes collective play and possession of the ball. With the philosophy of attacking football as well as the experience of training at the European level, Cocu is considered to be able to continue the long-term coaching program of the Indonesian national team, especially in building the mentality and basic techniques of players.

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag's name is also in the spotlight who is considered to be the coach of the Indonesian national team. Moreover, currently the former Manchester United coach is without a club after no longer handling Bayer Leverkusen.

With great experience in Europe as well as a reputation as a disciplined and detailed coach, Ten Hag is considered capable of improving the quality of the Indonesian national team's game. Modern coaching style and focus on developing young players are also in line with PSSI's long-term vision.

However, the biggest challenge is of course about budget and adaptation. Erik Ten Hag is known to have high professional standards and may require infrastructure support that is not necessarily available in Indonesia.

Bernardo Tavares

From the foreign names circulating, Bernardo Tavares became the closest candidate. The Portuguese coach is already familiar with the Indonesian football atmosphere after successfully bringing PSM Makassar to win Liga 1.

The advantage is the understanding of the character of local players and the ability to manage teams with limited resources. In addition, Tavares is known to have a strong personal approach, making the players feel comfortable under his direction.