Kluivert out as coach after Indonesia fail to reach World Cup | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- Patrick Kluivert's contract as Indonesia coach was terminated by mutual agreement.
- The departure follows Indonesia's failure to qualify for the next year's World Cup.
- Kluivert was in charge for only eight matches, winning three, losing four, and drawing one.
- The PSSI stated the decision is part of a comprehensive evaluation of the national football program.
- Kluivert had been appointed in January on a two-year contract with the goal of reaching the World Cup.
Patrick Kluivert's short tenure as the head coach of the Indonesian national football team has concluded by mutual agreement with the PSSI after the team failed in their bid to qualify for next year's World Cup in North America, suffering recent defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The former Netherlands and Barcelona star was only appointed in January, signing a two-year contract with the ambitious goal of reaching Indonesia's first World Cup since 1945, but he managed only eight games, winning three. Kluivert acknowledged his disappointment on Instagram but affirmed his pride in the team's collective efforts. The PSSI confirmed the mutual termination, framing the decision as part of a broader evaluation of the national football coaching and development program. Kluivert replaced Shin Tae-yong, whose sacking was controversial, and his managerial career, which includes short stints at Adana Demirspor and with the Curacao national team, has not matched his celebrated playing career.
