With spells at Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona during his playing career, Patrick Kluivert was one of the most prominent strikers of his generation.
The Indonesian national team may be ranked 127th in the world, but it has still managed to land a big name as head coach. Patrick Kluivert represented the likes of Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona during his illustrious playing career, but he has moved from Europe to continue his coaching career.
Kluivert has reportedly signed a deal to take charge of Indonesia, with his presentation scheduled for January 12. The 48-year-old has been given a two-year contract with the option of a further two years provided he can perform with the Pasukan Garuda. .
The Dutchman's playing career was exclusively in Europe's top leagues, with spells in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, England and France. In stark contrast, he was head coach of the Curaçao national team and Turkish side Adana Demirspor before taking charge of Indonesia.
He was sacked from his most recent role in Turkey after just one win in six games, despite having Mario Balotelli, Nani and M'Baye Niang in the squad. Nevertheless, Kluivert was an outspoken supporter of the opportunities given to young players after taking his first steps in professional football with the iconic Ajax team in the mid-1990s. He famously scored in the 1996 Champions League final at the age of 18 and has vowed to focus on youth wherever possible.
In 2019, on taking up a coaching role at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Kluivert said: “It is essential that the first team has young, homegrown players. Myself and those responsible for youth football have to look for the diamonds and work with them. We must give everyone the same opportunity to be successful.”
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