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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Patrick Kluivert's appointment as the new head coach of the Indonesian national football team by the Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) on January 8, 2025, marks a new chapter for the Garuda Squad.
This decision follows the unexpected dismissal of Shin Tae-yong on January 6, despite the South Korean man having extended his contract until 2027.
Prior to the announcement of the new head coach, several names have been floated as potential candidates to fill the vacancy; of which, Patrick Kluivert is among the strongest candidates.
“PSSI has officially appointed Patrick Kluivert as the new coach of the Indonesia national team. The Dutch coach has a two-year contract from 2025 to 2027 with an option to extend the contract,” the PSSI wrote on its official page on January 8, 2025.
Kluivert is a retired Dutch player with experience in managing top soccer clubs, including France's PSG and Spain's Barcelona.
Citing Sportskeeda and Transfermarkt, here is a brief profile of Patrick Kluivert, from his days as an active Dutch player to his coaching career.
A Brief Profile of Patrick Kluivert
Name: Patrick Stephan Kluivert
Date of Birth: July 1, 1976
Nationality: Dutch
Born in Amsterdam, Patrick Kluivert is a Dutch football coach. Prior to coaching, Kluivert pursued a career on the soccer field as a striker for the Dutch national team.
The Dutchman’s interest in soccer was mostly influenced by his father. Sportskeeda reported that Kluivert’s father was a professional footballer who inspired him to join an academy.
A Skilled Striker
A Dutch footballer Patrick Kluivert of Team Cannavaro kicks the ball during the Global Legends Series match, at the SCG Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand in 2014. He enjoyed a trophy-laden career, winning titles with Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona, and PSV Eindhoven. Furthermore, his illustrious journey included stints at AC Milan, Newcastle United, Valencia, and Lille. Shutterstock
As a player, Kluivert was known for his versatility, pace, and goal-scoring ability. But, before the public became aware of his capability, Kluivert started his journey by joining an Amsterdam-based academic club Schellingwoude in 1983.
The following year, he changed uniforms and joined Ajax, where he stayed until 1994. With the team, he won the Dutch Eredivisie, the Champions League, the Johan Cruijff Schaal, and the UEFA Super Cup.
It was not until November 1994 that Kluivert made his debut for the senior team. He scored 40 goals in 79 matches for the Dutch national team. He continued to build his experience at several prestigious clubs, including Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan, Newcastle United, Valencia, and Lille.
Kluivert officially retired from professional football in July 2008, leaving behind a legacy of over 200 goals in 480 matches.
Kluivert as a Coach
Patrick Kluivert (left) and Ruud Gullit in a 'coaching clinic' in Senayan, Jakarta, 2013. As a coach, the 48-year-old has yet to win a major trophy. Since becoming an assistant coach at AZ Alkmaar in 2008, Kluivert's best achievement was leading Twente U-21 to win the Beloften Eredivisie 2011/2012. Doc. TEMPO/Aditia Noviansyah
After hanging up his boots, Kluivert transitioned into coaching. He was all about scoring goals during his time on the soccer field, but he has yet to make a significant mark working behind the scenes.
In 2008, he served as an assistant coach for the AZ Alkmaar. His most notable achievement with the team was overseeing Twente U-21's victory in the 2011/2012 Beloften Eredivisie.
Following his time with AZ, Kluivert explored opportunities in the Australian League with Brisbane Roar in January 2010. He then returned to the Netherlands to assume the role of assistant coach at NEC Nijmegen in August 2010. In the 2011-2012 season, Kluivert moved to FC Twente's youth team, where he successfully led the club to a championship.
Kluivert has also sought fortune in various roles. In July 2016, he took on the role of Sporting Director at French club PSG. He once served as the Academy Director at Barcelona for a relatively short period.
His most recent coaching role was at Turkiye's Adana Demirspor, where he has been in charge since June 2023. Kluivert achieved eight wins, six draws, and six losses in 20 matches with Adana Demirspor.
Kluivert’s Controversies
Beneath his popularity as a successful former player for the Dutch national football team, Kluivert faced a serious personal challenge early in his career.
Kluivert was found guilty in a case of involuntary manslaughter, which resulted in him being sentenced to 240 hours of community service.
At the age of 19, while still playing for Ajax, Patrick Kluivert was involved in a car accident. He was driving a sports car, which belonged to a friend, at about 104 km/h in a 50 km/h residential zone. The accident tragically resulted in the death of a 56-year-old man and seriously injured a passenger in a collision.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia Officially Appoints Patrick Kluivert as National Team Head Coach
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