Coach Kluivert returns to the Netherlands without apologizing, causing internal turmoil within the Indonesian team

According to the head of the Indonesian team, Mr. Sumardji, coach Kluivert and the entire Dutch coaching staff immediately returned home, right after the failure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.

Coach Kluivert sent a letter without an apology

After about 2 days of returning to the Netherlands, Coach Kluivert wrote a letter sharing his disappointment after the Indonesian team lost to opponents Saudi Arabia 2-3 and Iraq 0-1, ending their dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Kluivert criticized by Indonesian fans, does not apologize, faces possibility of being fired

Photo: Reuters

"Dear Indonesia, I feel the same pain and disappointment as you. The defeats against Saudi Arabia and Iraq are bitter lessons, but also a reminder of how noble our common dream is. As head coach, I take full responsibility," said coach Kluivert.

The Dutch tactician also affirmed: "We gave our all, with all our heart, discipline and unity. Every day, this team strives to develop, learn and represent Indonesia with pride. We did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but we set a new standard, a standard that we can confidently build on."

In his letter, Coach Kluivert also said: "We have worked tirelessly to bring together domestic and foreign players into one family, with the support of a team of staff who are always united and speak with one voice. This is part of a longer journey, for the team, for the country and for all those who believe in Indonesian football. Real progress takes time. And what we have built together will continue to grow, far beyond today"…

However, according to the Indonesian press, the most needed thing at this time is an apology from Coach Kluivert in his letter, which was completely absent. Therefore, continuing to disappoint fans in the archipelago, they are demanding that the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) fire Coach Kluivert and the entire Dutch coaching staff.

The Indonesian team is the sole representative of the Southeast Asian region in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.

Photo: Reuters

Many Indonesian fans are hoping to invite coach Shin Tae-yong back to lead the team. Mr. Shin Tae-yong was also fired by Ulsan HD Club (South Korea) due to poor performance and many internal disagreements. Before the possibility of returning to the Indonesian team, coach Shin Tae-yong denied this news when interviewed by KBS channel on October 13.

Meanwhile, the head of the Indonesian team, Mr. Sumardji, said that PSSI and the Executive Committee of this football body will have a meeting to dissect all issues in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Besides, they will also have assessments of coach Kluivert and the entire Dutch coaching staff, considering whether to continue or not, or to change the team leader.

"The contract between PSSI and Coach Kluivert is for 2 years, from 2025 to 2027, with a contract extension clause. After the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign ended in failure, the Indonesian team will not have any major events in the near future.

The most recent and important event is to participate in the final round of the Asian Cup 2027, but it is still 2 years away. It is unclear whether PSSI still has faith in coach Kluivert or not," CNN Indonesia said.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-kluivert-bo-ve-ha-lan-khong-xin-loi-noi-bo-doi-tuyen-indonesia-roi-loan-185251014081749081.htm