Behind the Scenes: Indonesia's Coach Dismissal
Shin Tae-yong shares shocking details about his unexpected dismissal as Indonesia's national football coach, revealing a swift replacement process.
Shin Tae-yong, the former head coach of Indonesia's national football team, has unveiled new details about his unexpected dismissal and the rapid process that led to his replacement. Speaking at the prestigious 2025 Business and Industry Day in Jakarta, Shin broke his silence about the behind-the-scenes events surrounding his departure.
Shin revealed that he was informed of his termination by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) early on January 6. The decision was communicated at precisely 9:40 AM, and within just over two hours, Patrick Kluivert, the former Dutch international and highly respected coach, was announced as his successor. The swift transition left many observers, including Shin himself, surprised at how quickly the change unfolded.
Under Shin Tae-yong’s leadership, Indonesia's football team achieved several notable milestones. Appointed in December 2019, Shin guided the team to the finals of the 2020 AFF Championship, marking a resurgence in Indonesian football. Additionally, in 2024, Shin’s U-23 squad achieved a historic victory over South Korea in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup quarterfinals, preventing South Korea from securing their tenth consecutive Olympic appearance.
Despite these achievements, the team's underwhelming performance at the 2024 AFF Championship led the PSSI to make a sudden coaching change. Shin acknowledged that while he had hoped to continue contributing to the team's progress, the association’s decision was final. “Every coaching journey has its ups and downs. I respect the decision and wish the team success under its new leadership,” he stated.
Patrick Kluivert, known for his illustrious playing career with clubs like Barcelona and his coaching expertise, has now taken the reins of Indonesia’s national team. His appointment brings high expectations from fans and analysts, as Indonesia aims to further elevate its football standing on the global stage.
The rapid coaching transition has sparked debates among football enthusiasts, with some questioning the decision’s timing and impact on the team’s morale. However, with both Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert expressing mutual respect, the focus now shifts to the future of Indonesian football under new leadership.