Indonesian football fans' attention is still focused on Shin Tae-yong (55, currently Ulsan HD). Patrick Kluivert (49), who was appointed to fill that void, acknowledged comparisons with his predecessor but did not hide his discomfort.
Indonesia iNews reported on the 9th (Korea time) that "Coach Kluivert finally spoke out about the relentless comparisons with Shin Tae-yong." Coach Kluivert did not deny that "the shadow of his predecessor hangs over him."
Local public opinion has remained chilly even after Shin Tae-yong's dismissal. The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) ended its contract with Shin Tae-yong and appointed Dutch legend Kluivert, but fans remain unconvinced. Complaints of "why change him" continue, and match tactics, results, player selection, and even gestures during matches are being compared to Shin Tae-yong.
The situation worsened after the humiliating loss to Japan. Indonesia suffered a 0-6 defeat to Japan, which had already secured qualification, and local media ran headlines about "Coach Kluivert's dismissal." TVOne News pointed out that "the most-read topic among national team articles was the coach dismissal speculation."
By contrast, Shin Tae-yong achieved results that will remain in Indonesia's football history. He led Indonesia to the Asian final qualifying round for the first time in history. That achievement is deeply etched in fans' memories and is still talked about.
The current Kluivert regime is unstable. Indonesia crushed Taiwan 6-0 in a September friendly, but drew 0-0 with Lebanon, ranked 112th in the FIFA rankings. It was an unsatisfying result. Coach Kluivert explained, "Indonesia did their best. We tried to create many chances, but the opponent played defensively and it was difficult to score. We weren't lucky."
But Shin Tae-yong's name was mentioned as usual at the press conference. Coach Kluivert reacted, "I like pressure. I can accept criticism. But those remarks feel somewhat strange to me." He added, "I don't look at social media. It doesn't affect me. I know what I have to do, and so do the players and coaching staff." He did not hide his discomfort.
The upcoming schedule is even tougher. In October, Indonesia will face Saudi Arabia (ranked 59th) and Iraq (ranked 58th) in succession in the fourth round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Considering the draw with Lebanon, these are much stronger opponents. On top of that, the schedule is terrible. After facing Saudi Arabia on Oct. 8, they must play Iraq just three days later.
Only the first-place team in each group in the fourth round earns a direct ticket to the finals. Second-place teams must go through the Asian playoff, and if they win there they advance to the FIFA playoff. Considering the objective difference in strength and the schedule, Indonesia's path to the finals is aptly described as a "thorny road."
Shin Tae-yong's imprint remains clear. Fans remember his tactical flexibility and achievements and apply a harsh standard to the new coach. Coach Kluivert said he "enjoys pressing," but criticism can only intensify after the heavy loss to Japan and the draw with Lebanon.
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