Patrick Kluivert Exits as Indonesia's Coach After World Cup Setback

Patrick Kluivert has departed from his position as the head coach of the Indonesian national football team after the nation's aspirations for the 2026 World Cup qualification were dashed.

Kluivert, the former Barcelona forward, took on the role in January with a two-year contract, as Indonesia aimed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since gaining independence in 1945.

However, consecutive defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq last week ended Indonesia's World Cup dreams.

The Football Association of Indonesia announced, "The Football Association of Indonesia and the coaching team of the Indonesia national team have officially agreed for early termination of cooperation through mutual termination."

The statement continued, "This step was taken as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the national football coaching and development program."

In a social media post, Kluivert, who boasts 79 caps for the Netherlands, expressed his regret, stating, "The defeats against Saudi Arabia and Iraq were bitter lessons, but also reminders of how high our shared dreams are. As head coach, I take full responsibility."

Kluivert, aged 49, succeeded South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, aligning with an intensified effort by the Indonesian federation to naturalize players from Europe with Indonesian ancestry. This initiative helped the team advance to the qualifying final stages for the first time since its 1938 appearance as the Dutch East Indies.

Most of the players in Kluivert's final 23-member squad were born overseas, predominantly from the Netherlands. Nonetheless, the change in coaching did not significantly enhance results, as Indonesia achieved only three victories in eight matches under Kluivert's leadership.

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