Patrick Kluivert Takes the Helm as Indonesia's New National Team Coach
- AP Photo/Peter Dejong
Jakarta, VIVA – Renowned Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Patrick Kluivert will be the new head coach of the Indonesian national football team, replacing Shin Tae-yong.
"Patrick Kluivert will sign a contract as the new head coach of Indonesia, the deal is done," Romano announced on X.
Kluivert is set to sign a two-year contract with an option for an additional two years. The primary goal is to qualify Indonesia for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kluivert's first two matches as Indonesia's coach will be against Australia and Bahrain in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, scheduled for March 20 and 25.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) will officially introduce the former FC Barcelona legend this weekend, on Sunday (Jan 12).
Patrick Kluivert
- AP Photo/Ermindo Armino
"A two-year option plus two more years, the presentation will be on January 12 in Indonesia. The goal is to reach World Cup qualification," Romano stated.
Kluivert is a well-known figure in the football world, having previously served as the sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain and the academy manager of Barcelona.
He also worked as an assistant coach under Clarence Seedorf for the Cameroon national team and has played for top clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, AC Milan, and FC Barcelona.
He won the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with Ajax and the La Liga title with Barcelona. As a striker, he scored 206 goals in 480 career matches. Additionally, he netted 40 goals for the Netherlands, finishing as the top scorer at Euro 2000 with five goals, leading his country to the semifinals.
