What's happened
Patrick Kluivert has been appointed as the new head coach of Indonesia's national soccer team, following the dismissal of Shin Tae-yong. Kluivert's contract runs from 2025 to 2027, with an option for extension. His first match will be against Australia in March 2025.
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Coaching Transition
- Kluivert's appointment reflects a strategic shift in Indonesia's coaching philosophy.
- The PSSI aims to improve communication and strategy implementation with a coach familiar with European players.
Player Dynamics
- The national team features many players born in the Netherlands, indicating a trend towards naturalization.
- Kluivert's experience with European football may enhance team cohesion.
Future Challenges
- Kluivert's first competitive match against Australia will be crucial for Indonesia's World Cup aspirations.
- The team's current standing in Group C requires strong performances to secure qualification.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Kluivert's appointment comes after the PSSI stated, 'The dynamics of the national team need special attention from us.' Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlighted that Kluivert's managerial career has not matched his playing success, noting, 'His last coaching role was in charge of Adana Demirspor in Turkey for five months in 2023.' This contrast in perspectives underscores the challenges Kluivert faces in meeting expectations.
How we got here
Shin Tae-yong was dismissed after leading Indonesia to the third round of World Cup qualification for the first time since 1938. The decision was influenced by communication issues with players, prompting the PSSI to seek a coach with a European background.
More on these topics
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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Patrick Stephan Kluivert is a Dutch former football player and coach, former director of La Masia academy at FC Barcelona and former director of football for Paris Saint-Germain in France. Kluivert was the assistant manager of Cameroon.