Patrick Kluivert's weapon was 'the right mindset.'

Kluivert's Indonesia suffered a 1-5 defeat to Australia in the seventh match of Group C of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifying rounds held at the Sydney Football Stadium on the 20th. With 1 win, 3 draws, and 3 losses, Indonesia is in 4th place in the group.

It was a shocking loss. The Indonesian Football Association fired coach Shin Tae-yong and appointed Kluivert. The association noted that 'Shin Tae-yong had issues with leadership and tactics,' revealing a somewhat unclear reason.

According to Indonesian media, the reason for Shin's dismissal is reportedly due to conflicts with naturalized players from the Netherlands.

The Jakarta Post revealed, 'The discord between the players and coach Shin Tae-yong began before the match in which Indonesia lost to China 1-2 last October. One of the naturalized players openly expressed dissatisfaction with Shin Tae-yong's tactics and coaching style.'

The Indonesian Football Association appointed the Dutch legend Kluivert. This was intended to indicate their commitment to controlling the naturalized players. In the match against Australia, as many as 10 of the starting 11 players were naturalized.

The results were the worst. Indonesia conceded the first goal from a penalty kick in the 18th minute, followed by two more goals in the 20th and 34th minutes. After conceding three goals in the first half, Indonesia allowed two more goals to Miller in the 16th minute and Erwin in the 45th minute of the second half. Indonesia managed to score one goal back through Romani in the 33rd minute.

After the match, Indonesian fans called for Shin Tae-yong's return and demanded Kluivert's dismissal. They noted that the hashtag '#KluivertOut' received explosive reactions.

Fans are expressing intense reactions, saying, 'Kluivert, fire him immediately,' 'Bring back coach Shin Tae-yong,' 'The incompetent Indonesian Association is at the end of its undefeated streak,' and 'Is this Indonesia's national team? It's not the Netherlands national team!'

Meanwhile, Kluivert's shocking past is being reexamined. Kluivert reportedly led the Curaçao national team in 2021 to a 0-4 defeat against Bahrain in a friendly match.

Coincidentally, Indonesia's next opponent is Bahrain. After the 1-5 loss in Australia, Indonesia will face Bahrain in Jakarta on the 25th. During Shin Tae-yong's tenure, they drew 2-2 in an away match against Bahrain.

The Indonesian media, learning about Kluivert's past, noted, 'Kluivert is the person who suffered the most shocking defeat to Bahrain. It is certainly worrisome. Bahrain is not an opponent to underestimate. Coach Kluivert is under pressure to win at home,' urging for victory.

Meanwhile, in a press conference for the match against Bahrain held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on the 24th, Kluivert showed tremendous confidence, saying, 'Anything is possible in football. The mindset of the players and coaching staff is really excellent right now. We will pursue victory in all remaining matches, and the goal is to win every game.'

Additionally, Indonesia will have to meet China at home in June, including this match against Bahrain, and they will also play an away match against Japan.

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