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​6th Jun. ​Why Coach Kluivert Prioritized Local Liga 1 Players Over Diaspora in Indonesia’s Win Against China

​6th Jun.  ​Why Coach Kluivert Prioritized Local Liga 1 Players Over Diaspora in Indonesia’s Win Against China

Patrick Kluivert explained his decision to field seven Liga 1 players in Indonesia’s 1-0 victory over China, opting to prioritize local talent over diaspora players. In the match held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, seven home-based players earned starting roles while several diaspora players, including Jordi Amat and Mees Hilgers, did not see any playing time. Kluivert emphasized that his selection is purely based on players’ abilities and not their background.
Since his appointment as Indonesia’s head coach, Kluivert has made it clear that giving opportunities to local players is a priority. He expressed strong respect for the domestic talent pool and believes blending local players with diaspora members strengthens the team. The coach’s philosophy centers on meritocracy, where players must prove their quality during club performances and national team training to earn their spots.
Kluivert also highlighted that naturalized players do not have guaranteed positions on the team. Instead, they must compete equally with local players for their place in the squad. This approach underlines his commitment to fairness and fostering a competitive environment within the team.
Overall, Kluivert’s strategy reflects a long-term vision for Indonesia’s national team, focusing on developing and trusting local talent without disregarding the contributions of naturalized players. His balanced approach aims to build a stronger, more unified squad capable of competing at higher levels.