"Klaiberth OUT!".
The Indonesian national football team, on the 20th (Korean time), utilized a large number of naturalized players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America Asian qualifying Group C match against Australia at the Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia, but suffered a heavy defeat of 1-5, highlighting the absence of coach Shin Tae-yong.
In the third qualifying round determining the teams that will progress to the World Cup finals, Indonesia was grouped with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China in Group C. After six matches, they recorded 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses, accumulating 6 points and ranking third in the group. However, they made the poor choice to dismiss coach Shin and appoint Patrick Klaiberth.
There was much discussion surrounding the surprising dismissal of the well-performing coach Shin. Allegations of conflict with the Indonesian Football Association led to various controversies. Some claimed that Indonesia, which has predominantly built its team around naturalized players, wanted a coach with the prestigious reputation of Klaiberth who had excelled during his playing career.
It was, quite literally, an act close to betrayal. Coach Shin had nurtured Indonesian football since he took over as head coach in 2020, also overseeing age-group national teams. He led the team to a runner-up finish in the 2020 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup and a semi-final appearance in the 2022 AFF Mitsubishi Cup.
Nevertheless, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) suddenly decided to dismiss coach Shin in January. At that time, PSSI stated, "This decision was reached after long and careful consideration and evaluation regarding the national team's performance and the long-term goals that the team aims to achieve. PSSI thanks everyone who contributed to the development of the Indonesian national football team and wishes coach Shin the best for the future."
With the appointment of coach Klaiberth, Indonesia also brought in Jordi Cruyff as a technical advisor last month. Jordi Cruyff is the son of legendary Dutch striker Johan Cruyff. Coach Shin had maintained a philosophy of balancing pure Indonesian players with naturalized players to grow the team.
However, recently the Indonesian national team has shifted primarily toward featuring naturalized players of Dutch descent. The current squad includes many naturalized players, further diminishing the presence of the existing pure players. Consequently, by actively pursuing naturalized players to achieve results, they have brought in notable personalities from the Netherlands.
However, the absence of a united team spirit has resulted in a poor performance. Due to the heavy defeat, Indonesia has sunk to the bottom in terms of goal difference. Klaiberth and the naturalized players were left shaken by Australia's aggressive plays. They conceded the opening goal to Boil in the 18th minute, followed by an additional goal to Belufille in the 20th minute, leading to their collapse.
Moreover, they allowed a third goal to Irvin in the 34th minute, effectively sealing their fate early on. In the 16th minute of the second half, Miller scored with a header from Goodwin's cross, marking the final blow. Indonesia managed to pull one back when Romeni scored from Dix's pass in the 33rd minute of the second half, but that was all they achieved. In fact, in the dying moments of the second half, they conceded another goal to Irvin, bringing the match to a conclusion with a crushing 1-5 defeat for Indonesia.
Was this punishment for not understanding the situation and dismissing coach Shin? During coach Shin's time, Indonesia had managed a 0-0 draw against Australia at home, but now, with naturalized players and a new coach, they have collapsed, finding themselves in a gloomy situation from the outset.
Sindonews reported, "After the match, coach Shin Tae-yong's name echoed throughout the stadium," and noted, "Indonesian fans expressed their dissatisfaction by chanting coach Shin's name."
After the match, the phrase 'Klaiberth OUT' continued to surface on social media, pouring out the anger of Indonesian fans.
Bola Sports reported on the 20th, "Former Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong was spotted watching the match against Australia with other fans in Jakarta."
"Additionally, it was reported that Indonesian away fans at the Sydney stadium were enraged. Videos posted on social media captured Indonesian supporters cheering while chanting coach Shin's name." The released footage showed the name of former coach Shin Tae-yong resonating throughout the stands.
He also shared his thoughts on the reasons for the defeat against Australia.
Former coach Shin Tae-yong explained to Indonesian Metro TV after the match, "One thing I felt was that we probably didn't have enough training time. As a result, we lacked organization. That's why we conceded goals in set piece situations." He further stated regarding his relationship with the PSSI, "I will talk about it again next time. It is not completely resolved yet."
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