The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has made a notable decision by sacking Coach Shin Tae Yong and appointing Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert as the new head coach. This move aims to fulfill the dream of bringing the national team to the 2026 World Cup.
Reasons for Hiring Patrick Kluivert
The appointment of Patrick Kluivert was not arbitrary. One of the main reasons is his ability to communicate effectively with naturalized players, most of whom have roots in the Netherlands. This is expected to improve the team’s performance and elevate their international standing.
Additionally, Kluivert’s reputation as a legendary footballer who played for Barcelona and the Dutch national team brings significant appeal both in expertise and image. PSSI hopes he will lead “Garuda” to achieve its historic goal: securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Patrick Kluivert’s Salary
According to sources from Suara, Patrick Kluivert’s monthly salary at the Indonesian national team ranges from 1.3 billion IDR to 1.5 billion IDR (approximately 2-2.3 billion VND). Annually, this amounts to 18 billion IDR (28 billion VND).
Despite this, his salary is still lower than his previous income at Adana Demirspor (Turkey), where he earned about 2.3 billion IDR/month (3.5 billion VND). Compared to his predecessor Shin Tae Yong, Kluivert’s salary is slightly less. The South Korean strategist previously received 1.9 billion IDR/month (2.95 billion VND) and a total of 23.6 billion IDR/year (36.7 billion VND).
To terminate Shin Tae Yong’s contract, PSSI had to pay a compensation of up to 91 billion VND, demonstrating their strong determination to change strategy.
Emotional Farewell Letter from Coach Shin Tae Yong
Before stepping down, Coach Shin Tae Yong expressed deep gratitude to the Indonesian fans. In his letter, he thanked the PSSI chairman, assistants, players, and especially the Indonesian people who supported him throughout his tenure.
He emphasized: “My hope is that our players can participate in the World Cup. I will always remember the warm hearts and support you have given me.”
Although the results were not as expected, Shin Tae Yong’s contributions to building the foundation for the Indonesian national team are undeniable.
Challenges Ahead for Patrick Kluivert
Patrick Kluivert’s first task in his new role will be a match against Australia on March 20th. This is an opportunity for him to prove his capabilities and make an initial impression.
However, the journey to bring Indonesia to the 2026 World Cup is far from easy. Besides developing the playing style, Kluivert must address the integration challenges between local and naturalized players. The expectations from fans also pose significant pressure on the Dutch coach.
Conclusion
The appointment of Patrick Kluivert marks a bold transformation for Indonesian football. With his experience and credibility, he is expected to help “Garuda” soar on the international stage. However, achieving the goal requires overcoming many challenges ahead. Fans in Vietnam and Southeast Asia will surely follow this journey with special interest.
Let’s wait and see if Patrick Kluivert can write a new chapter in Indonesian football history!
References
- dantri.com.vn
- Suara, Bola, MalayMail
