Patrick Kluivert Reveals Reasons For Willing To Train The Indonesian National Team

Patrick Kluivert admits that the Indonesian national team has great potential (Instagram/@patrickkluivert9).

JAKARTA - Patrick Kluivert officially became the coach of the Indonesian national team to replace Shin Tae-yong who was fired on Monday, January 6, 2025. With his new status, Kluiver revealed his reasons for being willing to handle the Garuda Squad.

The announcement of the CLuiver officially for the Indonesian national team was distributed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, afternoon WIB, through the PSSI website. The Dutch coach was awarded a contract with a duration of up to 2027.

When he received an offer to coach the Indonesian national team, Kluivert admitted that it didn't take long to think. In his interview with De Telegraaf, Kluivert clearly explained the reason he was willing to accept PSSI's offer.

"The potential (of the Indonesian national team) is very large, I was immediately enthusiastic. Indonesia is a country with a population of almost 300 million people."

"Many of them are crazy about football. In addition, now there is an opportunity (lolos 2026 World Cup)," Kluivert was quoted as saying by De Telegraaf, Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Kluivert further admitted that he had even been in a relationship with PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir since attending the 2023 Asian Cup which took place in early 2024 in Qatar.

However, at that time Kluivert admitted that he did not discuss being the coach of the Indonesian national team.

"I was there (Qatar) with my manager, Soufian Ashiati. During the Indonesian match, we had a chance to talk with PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir and since then we have been in communication."

"We are not discussing national coaches if that's what you mean, because Indonesia already has a very good coach, Shin Tae-yong."

"The conversation is short, as is often the case in tournaments like this, where the General Chairperson (PSSI) outlined the big plan of the Indonesian national team," said Kluiver.

After officially becoming the coach of the Indonesian national team, Kluivert will make his debut while guarding the team against Australia in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Sydney, March 20, 2025.

Kluiver's debut at home, aka in front of supporters of the Indonesian national team, occurred five days later when they hosted Bahrain at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.