Indonesia and Kluivert separate as World Cup hopes fade

Patrick Kluiverts role as head coach of Indonesia has concluded after both sides mutually decided to end their partnership on Thursday, following an unsuccessful push to qualify for the World Cup.

The nations aspirations to feature in the competition set for North America in 2026 were shattered by recent losses against Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

The 49 year old icon from the Netherlands and Barcelona, who stepped into the position in January, oversaw a total of just eight fixtures.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the national teams coaching personnel have formally agreed to conclude their collaboration ahead of schedule through mutual consent, the governing body declared in an official release.

This action arises from an in depth assessment of the countrys football coaching and growth initiatives.

No details were provided regarding Kluiverts successor in the announcement.

The former forward entered a two year agreement back in January, with the mission to lead Indonesia to their inaugural World Cup appearance since achieving independence in 1945.

The Netherlands native assumed control after the disputed removal of South Korean coach Shin Tae yong.

Yet he managed wins in only three encounters, enduring four setbacks and securing one stalemate.

Kluivert, hailing from Amsterdam, stepped away from playing in 2008 at the end of an illustrious professional path that launched at Ajax with a Champions League triumph, prior to transitions to AC Milan and Barcelona.

In contrast, his tenure in management has fallen short of such heights.

His most recent post involved guiding Adana Demirspor in Turkey over a five month period during 2023.

Earlier, he acted as interim boss for Curacao in 2021.

Additionally, he supported Louis van Gaal in an assistant capacity for the Dutch senior squad between 2012 and 2014.