REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - - An unpopular decision was taken by PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir. In the midst of the Indonesian national team struggling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Erick quit working with Shin Tae-yong (STY) as head coach and replaced him with Patrick Kluivert.

The certainty of the former Dutch national striker to become the head coach of the Garuda squad to replace STY was announced by PSSI on Wednesday (8/1/2025) last afternoon.

With this unpopular decision, Erick got a lot of attacks and accusations of just seeking popularity. The move is attributed to the year 2029 in which Elections will be held.

In an interview with the Liputan6 Sport podcast broadcast Wednesday (8/1/2025) evening, Erick provided a rebuttal of this decision attributed to the political movement.

“Some associate it with 2029, there are elections. That's not what I thought. I'm not looking for popularity. If I'm looking for popularity, it's better with the old one (STY) to continue with yesterday's only one. It's more relaxed,” he said.

However, Erick claimed to be under pressure from many parties to run. He claims to learn, it is better to make a decision than not to decide anything and regret it later.

“Right now everyone dreams that Indonesia will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. I am working on this dream so that it can become a reality. By doing this undertaking the risk is great,” he explained.

Previously, Erick continued, PSSI had the goal of qualifying for the 2038 World Cup without a home track, but through qualification. But looking at the opportunities and potential that exist today, with many good quality diaspora players, then PSSI accelerated to qualify for the World Cup in 2026.

“At the moment, the Indonesian national team has 17 players playing abroad. It's our big opportunity. The most (in our group) is Japan with 21 players playing abroad. Australia 19 players, South Korea equals Indonesia 17 players and Iraq 16 players.

“This is our golden opportunity, ten years away we don't necessarily have,” he added.

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