Indonesia fires Patrick Kluivert: Rooftop house project fails

Indonesia has sacked Patrick Kluivert after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a result that reflects the failure of its rooftop project.

Ineffective coach

On October 16, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) officially fired Patrick Kluivert – a predicted end after the disastrous 4th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

After 9 months in the hot seat, the Ajax and Barcelona legend left behind many disappointments: poor performance, bad image in the eyes of fans, and a football industry still struggling with the conflict between ambition and reality.

Indonesia failed with Kluivert. Photo: Kompas

Kluivert was appointed with the expectation of bringing European breath to the Indonesian team , especially professionalism thanks to what he had experienced.

However, the results reflected the lack of direction. In 8 official matches (including friendlies), the 1994 Champions League winner with Ajax won only 3, drew 1 and lost 4 – a performance far below the expectations and the high salary he received from PSSI.

Worse, the defeats were heavy when facing strong continental teams: 1-5 loss to Australia, 0-6 loss to Japan; recently the 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia, and 0-1 loss to Iraq.

The attack scored 11 goals, but the defense conceded 15. A team that was expected to be modern - including a Serie A-playing center-back ( Jay Idzes ) - played disorganized, lacking in organization and confidence.

Kluivert talks about “process,” but there is no sign that Indonesia is making progress.

Compared to Shin Tae Yong's time, the team is less energetic, less cohesive and no longer has the fighting spirit that was once the pride of Indonesians.

Not popular with fans

If the professional results cost Kluivert his seat, his attitude cost the former striker respect.

After losing to Iraq – the match that ended the 2026 World Cup dream – the whole team went to the stands to thank the fans.

Only Kluivert and his Dutch assistants sat still in their chairs, their backs to the crowd.

The seemingly small action created a huge furor. Garuda Saudi, an Indonesian fan club in Saudi Arabia, posted an angry message.

“You guys are hiding while the players have to face the sadness of thousands of people alone.”

When Kluivert and his team immediately flew back to the Netherlands without saying anything, the fans' patience was exhausted.

“Build a house from the roof”

Former Indonesian striker Indriyanto Nugroho believes the biggest problem is not Kluivert alone, but the way the country plays football.

Indonesia builds houses from the roof. Photo: Kompas

“It's easy to change the coach, but if we don't improve the tournament and focus on youth training, whoever comes will fail,” he said.

Indriyanto emphasized that Indonesia is “building a house from the roof” – focusing only on the national team by massive naturalization while forgetting the foundation.

According to him, it must start from the grassroots level , from the domestic league, where domestic players have the opportunity to develop and Indonesian players in Europe can integrate.

“In Europe, players rise because the system below them is solid. We have to be the same . ”

Kluivert left, but the “problems” he left behind were not just the numbers 3 wins – 4 losses. It was a lesson on how to run a football system: you cannot import success, you cannot skip stages.

When PSSI still wants the team to take shortcuts and forget to invest in the roots, every new contract, whether named Shin Tae Y ong, Van Marwijk or anyone else, is just a patch on a house without a foundation.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/indonesia-sa-thai-patrick-kluivert-that-bai-vi-xay-nha-tu-noc-2453738.html