Kluivert Identifies Silver Linings Despite Challenging Debut as Indonesia Coach

Patrick Kluivert has committed to ensuring his team bounces back in next week’s crucial home World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, following a dismal debut as coach of Indonesia.

The Indonesian side was punished for failing to convert an early penalty in Sydney, leading to a 5-1 defeat to Australia on Thursday, which edged the Socceroos closer to qualification for the upcoming tournament in North America.

Japan leads Group C having already secured qualification, while Australia holds second place with 10 points and three matches remaining. The top two teams will progress directly to the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia is close behind with nine points, while Indonesia, Bahrain, and China each have six points and remain in the race.

Teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian qualifying groups will enter an additional round of qualifying.

Kluivert, the Dutch and Barcelona legend who stepped in for the dismissed Shin Tae-yong in January, emphasised the need for his players to come together quickly ahead of the match on Tuesday in Jakarta.

“The bright side is that we kept fighting, and the team’s spirit will always be present,” said Kluivert, whose side managed to score a consolation goal through Ole Romeny in the 78th minute, during a press conference.

“You might not see the spirit… but it exists within the team. We will definitely respond against Bahrain.”

“For now, though, we need to process this defeat and reflect on what went wrong. This includes me—perhaps I made some mistakes too.”

Kluivert believed that the outcome could have been different if Kevin Diks had converted his eighth-minute penalty instead of hitting the post.

“It’s easy to blame someone, and I don’t like doing that,” remarked Kluivert, once renowned as one of the most dangerous forwards of his era, but yet to match those heights in coaching. “We started the game strongly. If that penalty had gone in, it would have changed the entire game. I remain confident about this.”