Former Newcastle United star agrees two-year-deal as he aims to break ambitious 88-year record

Former Newcastle United striker Patrick Kluivert has agreed to return to football management by signing a two-year deal with the Indonesian national team.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the former international has been handed the task of guiding the nation to World Cup qualification for the first time since 1938 and adds that his contract includes a two-year extension option if he is successful.

The legendary forward, who also represented the likes of Barcelona, Ajax and AC Milan in an illustrious career returns to the dugout for the first time in two years having last managed Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Super Liga.

A gifted forward, with quick feet, an impressive first touch and a sensational eye for goal. Kluivert is viewed as one of the very best strikers of his generation and one of the finest to have been developed in the highly esteemed Ajax academy.

Kluivert made his debut at 18 and was a massive part of Ajax’s incredible golden generation of the 1990s. In his debut campaign, Kluivert netted 22 goals in 35 matches, helping his team to a league title and an incredible unbeaten season.

The Dutch international also made his mark on Europe’s biggest stage and notably netted the winner for Louis Van Gaal’s star-studded team in the final against AC Milan, becoming the youngest player to ever score in a Champions League final.

Kluivert scored 52 goals in 100 appearances during his time at Ajax but is best remembered for his time at Barcelona when he scored 122 times in 257 matches while helping the team to a La Liga title in his first season.

The 79-time international joined Newcastle United on a free transfer in 2004 after a brief stint at AC Milan, becoming one of the final signings of the Bobby Robson era. He was described by Bobby Robson at the time as ‘one of the most significant signings in many years’ before adding ‘If he reaches anything like his potential he will be very popular here. I think it is a great move for him and he has his best years ahead of him.’

Unfortunately, Kluivert’s time on Tyneside was riddled with injuries as Newcastle fell to a disappointing 14th place finish in the Dutchman’s only year at the club. Kluivert scored 13 in 35 appearances across all competitions, with five of those coming in the UEFA Cup as the Magpies reached the semi-final.

Kluivert struggled for fitness after leaving Newcastle and ended his career with spells at Valencia, PSV and Lille before retiring in 2008.

Patrick Kluivert coaching career

Patrick Kluivert was one of the most talented strikers of his generation but so far he is yet to hit the same heights in the world of coaching.

The 48-year-old took his first managerial gig with Curaçao in 2015 and led them to their best ever qualification campaign despite failing to reach the World Cup in 2018.

He worked closely with son Justin as Ajax youth team coach during his time with Curaçao before leaving in 2017.

Kluivert became the Cameroon assistant coach alongside Clarence Seedorf in August 2018 but was dismissed with Seedorf 11 months later.

After that he took charge of Turkish side Adana Demirspor in July 2023 but was only able to win nine of his 20 matches in charge before being sacked midseason.

Kluivert inherits a Indonesia team ranked 127th in the world and seeking World Cup qualification for the first time in 88 years.

Indonesia sit third in the six-team Group C in the Asian qualifiers - behind only Australia and Japan, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China.