Patrick Kluivert, the Dutch football legend, has made his first official statements after being appointed as the head coach of the Indonesian national team. The event took place on the evening of January 12 at the headquarters of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).
Patrick Kluivert shakes hands with PSSI president Erick Thohir during his inauguration ceremony (Photo: CNN Indonesia).
A Crucial Transition After Shin Tae Yong
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) decided to part ways with coach Shin Tae Yong following Indonesia’s early exit from the group stage at the 2024 AFF Cup. However, it cannot be denied that the South Korean tactician made significant contributions over his five-year tenure. Under his leadership, Indonesia notably improved its FIFA ranking from 173rd to 127th. This was also the first time the archipelago nation secured a spot in the third round of World Cup qualifiers.
In his speech, Kluivert paid tribute to his predecessor: “Shin Tae Yong did an excellent job. He left a strong legacy and helped the team achieve important milestones. I aim to build on that success and take Indonesia even further.”
Targeting the 2026 World Cup
Kluivert emphasized that the primary goal for himself and the Indonesian team is to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. To achieve this, the former Barcelona striker stressed the importance of focusing on upcoming qualifying matches, particularly against Australia and Bahrain in March.
“We need to perform sharply against strong opponents like Australia and Bahrain. From these two matches, I set a target of securing at least four points. Of course, everyone hopes for six points, but we must respect our opponents,” Kluivert shared.
He also highlighted that the matches in March and June will be decisive, akin to finals. Therefore, the players need to train harder than ever to be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While acknowledging the pressure of succeeding a talented coach like Shin Tae Yong, Kluivert expressed confidence in his abilities. He stated, “People may like or dislike me, but what matters is that I always give my best for the common goal. I am here to help Indonesia develop and achieve success.”
The Dutch ex-star also believes that building a cohesive team and maximizing the potential of young players is key. This is the only way for Indonesia to compete evenly with top continental teams.
A visual representation of Patrick Kluivert’s strategic vision for the future of the Indonesian national team.
Conclusion
The appointment of Patrick Kluivert marks a promising new chapter for Indonesian football. With extensive experience and modern tactical thinking, he is expected to further elevate the national team and move closer to the dream of reaching the World Cup. Fans have every reason to hope for a brighter future under the guidance of this talented coach. Let’s look forward to the new advancements of the Indonesian team in the coming months!
References
- dantri.com.vn
- CNN Indonesia
- PSSI Official Announcement
