On January 6, at the headquarters of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), located just a 20-minute drive from the legendary Gelora Bung Karno stadium, the future of Coach Shin Tae Yong was sealed. His dismissal and the appointment of Patrick Kluivert as the new head coach marked a significant turning point in Indonesia’s football journey.
Chairman Erick Thohir stated: “We believe that a leader with better strategic implementation and effective communication with players is needed.” However, this decision has sparked intense debates among fans.
Fan and Expert Reactions
It’s not hard to understand why the dismissal of Coach Shin Tae Yong has caused such a strong backlash. The comments section on the official Instagram post announcing his departure was flooded with heartfelt tributes. Many fear that Indonesian football will “return to dark times,” and that the Gelora Bung Karno stadium will become desolate in upcoming matches.
alt: Fans express gratitude and sorrow over Coach Shin Tae Yong’s departure
Veteran journalist Alvino Hanafi revealed that the fan community is divided: One side supports the new coach, Patrick Kluivert, while the other remains steadfastly loyal to Shin Tae Yong. He emphasized: “This bold decision can only be judged over time, but it will certainly face opposition.”
Notable Achievements of Coach Shin Tae Yong
When Coach Shin Tae Yong took charge of the Indonesian team in December 2019, it was seen as a major boost for the country’s football. With experience leading the South Korean national team to the 2018 World Cup, he quickly introduced positive changes.
Under his leadership, the Indonesian team significantly improved its standing in the FIFA rankings, climbing nearly 50 places from when he started. They also became the sole Southeast Asian representative in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers.
alt: Coach Shin Tae Yong contributed to lifting Indonesia to new heights
The AFF Cup also saw a strong comeback by Indonesia. After years of failing to advance beyond the group stage, the team under Coach Shin Tae Yong reached the 2020 AFF Cup final. At the U23 Asian Cup, they even came close to securing a spot at the Olympics.
Reasons Behind the Controversial Decision
Despite these achievements, cracks began to appear in the relationship between Coach Shin Tae Yong and PSSI. According to journalist Hanafi, issues arose following a World Cup qualifier match against China in October 2024. Additionally, the influx of European-born naturalized players made his conservative coaching style less suitable.
alt: Growing rift between Coach Shin Tae Yong and PSSI
Chairman Erick Thohir emphasized that “strategies are now unified by the players,” suggesting a diminished role for the coach in shaping playing philosophy. Furthermore, questions have been raised about his tactical discipline and the confidence he instilled in the players.
A Gamble on Patrick Kluivert
Following Coach Shin Tae Yong’s departure, Patrick Kluivert was chosen as his successor. The former Dutch striker has previously led the Curacao national team and served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup.
alt: Patrick Kluivert ready to take on the challenge in Indonesia
Kluivert expressed excitement about the immense potential of Indonesian football: “This is a nation with nearly 300 million people where football is passionately loved. We have every chance to qualify for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.”
However, ESPN warns that this is a hot seat. Comparing it to the case of Coach Park Hang Seo in Vietnam, the lessons from Philippe Troussier—Park’s successor—show the immense pressure on Kluivert.
Conclusion
The dismissal of Coach Shin Tae Yong and the appointment of Patrick Kluivert represent a high-stakes gamble by PSSI. Yet, if Kluivert capitalizes on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Indonesia’s World Cup dream could become a reality. Is this a step back to move forward? Time will tell.
References
- Dantri.com.vn
- ESPN, Ilgan Sports
