New Coach Kluivert Declares Indonesia ‘Prepared’ for Upcoming Clash with Australia

Patrick Kluivert has hinted at some unexpected tactics from his Indonesian team ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Australia on Thursday, despite having only a handful of training sessions to implement his strategies since becoming coach in January.

The former Netherlands and Barcelona striker has been tasked with guiding Indonesia to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1938, making the upcoming match in Sydney a pivotal moment for their ambitions.

With several players arriving from their European clubs, Kluivert acknowledged the limited time to fully instil his vision within the squad. However, he expressed confidence that they are primed to seek their first victory over Australia in over four decades.

“Changing things is quite the challenge at this stage,” he remarked to the press at Sydney Football Stadium on Wednesday.

“But I do have plans that I won’t disclose here. There will be some changes, but they’re between us.”

“I believe the team is prepared. They are aware of our expectations for tomorrow, and we are eager to take the field.”

Kluivert has inherited a squad rich in talent from the Indonesian diaspora, with many players born in the Netherlands and competing at esteemed levels in Europe.

Last year, they showcased their potential with a commendable 0-0 draw against Australia and a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, putting them just a point behind the Socceroos, who are currently in second place in Group C. The top two teams will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.

“I believe we have demonstrated over the past year or so that Indonesia is a nation to be taken seriously,” stated Dutch-born captain Jay Idzes.

“I genuinely feel that in the coming years, we can truly elevate Indonesia’s status on the global stage.”

Kluivert mentioned that he and his coaching team, which includes former Barcelona forward Jordi Cruyff, have not been idle since their appointments. They have been travelling throughout Indonesia and connecting with Europe-based players to share their coaching philosophies.

“I’m thrilled with the quality we have in our ranks. There’s always room for improvement,” Kluivert noted.

“Although our training time has been limited, I still feel very optimistic about the team and each player individually. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.”

Idzes dismissed any notion that players from the diaspora might not be as emotionally connected to Indonesian football as their local counterparts.

“We discuss among ourselves the significance of this game, and we all aim to give nothing less than our utmost effort tomorrow,” stated the Venezia centre-back.

“It’s crucial for everyone to recognise that we are representing our country, with 280 million people supporting us.

“Personally, I don’t feel additional pressure; what I sense is an overwhelming support from everyone.”