In a significant development for Indonesian football, a former Premier League player has been appointed as the new coach of Indonesia's national team. The governing body, PSSI, announced that the Dutchman would take charge following the unexpected dismissal of Shin Tae-Yong. The new coach, widely acclaimed as one of the finest strikers of his era, signed an initial two-year contract with the possibility of an extension. His appointment comes as a strategic move to elevate Indonesia's presence on the international stage.
The new coach arrives in Jakarta this Saturday and will be officially unveiled the following day. He joins a coaching team alongside fellow Dutchman Alex Pastoor as one of Patrick Kluivert's assistants. With a decorated career that includes winning the UEFA Champions League with Ajax and a fruitful tenure at Barcelona, where he netted 122 goals in 257 matches, he brings substantial experience to his new role.
In addition to his playing accolades, he has previously managed CONCACAF underdogs Curaçao. However, his managerial career has not been without challenges. He endured a brief five-month stint at Adana Demispor after initially signing a two-year contract. Despite these setbacks, his appointment as Indonesia's coach marks a fresh chapter in his career.
The announcement follows just two days after Shin Tae-Yong's sudden departure. The former striker is tasked with preparing the team for an immediate test: a World Cup qualifier against Australia on March 20. This high-stakes match will be his first in charge of the Indonesian national team, presenting an opportunity to make a strong impression.
Throughout his illustrious international career, he represented the Netherlands at four major tournaments, including the 1998 World Cup. With 40 goals from 79 caps, he remains the fourth highest scorer in Dutch football history. His expertise and insight are expected to inspire Indonesia's national squad, as they aim to improve their competitiveness in the region.
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