Coach Shin Tae Yong may return to Indonesian football

After Patrick Kluivert formally left the national team, the movement urging PSSI to reinstate Coach Shin Tae Yong in Indonesia has been gaining momentum.

Coach Shin Tae Yong parted ways with the Indonesian national team earlier this year, handing over the role to Patrick Kluivert. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) aimed ambitiously to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup but ultimately faced disappointing results. Recently, Patrick Kluivert was also dismissed by PSSI.

During his more than three years in Indonesia, Shin Tae Yong did not win any major titles but significantly advanced Indonesian football at the continental level. Under his leadership, Indonesia reached the round of 16 in the 2023 Asian Cup, the U23 team came close to qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the national team broke an 18-year losing streak against Saudi Arabia with a 2-0 victory at Bung Karno Stadium.

Moreover, his assistant, Coach Nova Arianto, helped the Indonesia U17 team reach a historic milestone by qualifying for the U17 World Cup for the first time, which will start on November 4. This is considered an indirect result of the groundwork Shin Tae Yong established, from training systems to modern tactical thinking.

According to veteran football analyst Gusnul Yakin, if Shin Tae Yong returns, he does not necessarily have to immediately lead the national team.

“I believe it would be best for Shin Tae Yong to act as the strategic brain behind Indonesian football. He could collaborate with other coaches to develop the sport in the country comprehensively,” Gusnul commented.

At present, the U17 World Cup is seen as a golden opportunity for Shin Tae Yong to make a comeback in a supporting role.

“He could serve as an advisor, assisting Nova Arianto with tactics, morale, and preparation. Shin Tae Yong’s presence would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Indonesia U17 team,” Gusnul added.

After the failure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Indonesian fans place their full trust in the U17 generation, hoping they will bring new pride.

“If the U17 team performs well and advances deep into the U17 World Cup, it will somewhat ease the disappointment of the supporters,” Gusnul Yakin further shared.

Shin Tae Yong’s return in this manner is also seen as “tactful” and less controversial, since he would not take Nova Arianto’s position but rather help his former student improve further.

“The close relationship between Shin Tae Yong and Nova Arianto will be a major advantage. Indonesian football not only needs talented players but also local coaches inspired and educated by foreign strategists,” he concluded.