Jordi Cruyff Teams Up with Patrick Kluivert as Technical Adviser for the Indonesian National Team

Indonesia has announced the appointment of former Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff as the technical adviser for the national team, according to a statement from the federation on Tuesday. This move is part of a broader overhaul that previously saw former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert take the reins as head coach.

With the passion for football deeply ingrained in the nation, Indonesian supporters are optimistic that the expanded 48-team World Cup could provide them with an opportunity to reach the finals for the second time. Their previous appearance in 1938, when they participated as the Dutch East Indies and faced a heavy 6-0 defeat to Hungary in France, still lingers in the memory.

As it stands, Indonesia is currently placed third in their group following six out of ten matches, sitting just one point behind Australia in the race for the second automatic qualification spot. Should they finish third or fourth, they still have a pathway to the 2026 finals through additional qualifying rounds and an intercontinental playoff.

Erick Thohir, head of Indonesia’s football federation, confirmed that Cruyff—who served as Barcelona’s sporting director from 2021 to 2023—will join the team in March.

“I’m incredibly excited,” Cruyff expressed in a statement on the federation’s website. “I look forward to sharing my experience and insights to elevate Indonesian football.”

Thohir highlighted that Cruyff, the 51-year-old son of legendary footballer Johan Cruyff, embodies the footballing philosophy upheld by Barcelona.

“What are Jordi’s primary responsibilities? He will provide technical guidance and help develop our football philosophy, including the search for a technical director,” Thohir remarked, indicating that Cruyff had formalised his agreement with Indonesia earlier that day.

Cruyff’s hiring follows that of Kluivert, along with his assistant coaches, Dutch nationals Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat.

Kluivert stepped in to replace South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, as Indonesia sought more robust leadership.

Under Shin’s tenure, the federation successfully attracted members of the Indonesian diaspora—primarily those born in the Netherlands—to represent the national side.