Cruyff is named a technical adviser in Soccer Indonesia’s national team makeover

In a reorganization that has already seen former Netherlands forward Patrick Kluivert appointed coach, Indonesia announced on Tuesday that former Barcelona sporting director Jordi Cruyff would serve as the technical adviser for the national team.

Indonesians, who are ardent soccer supporters, are hoping that the 48-team World Cup will offer them a second chance to reach the finals. They would like to do better than they did in 1938, when they traveled to France as the Dutch East Indies in the days leading up to the group stages, lost 6-0 to Hungary, and returned home.

After six of ten games, Indonesia is currently in third place in their group, one point behind Australia in the competition for the second automatic qualification slot. They still have a chance to advance to the 2026 finals through more qualifying rounds and an intercontinental playoff if they place third or fourth.

Cruyff, who was Barcelona’s sporting director from 2021 to 2023, will arrive in March, according to Erick Thohir, the head of the Indonesian soccer federation.

Cruyff said, “I’m very excited,” in a statement posted on the federation’s website. “I can’t wait to share my experience and knowledge to further the level of Indonesian soccer.”

Cruyff, the 51-year-old son of legendary Barca player Johan Cruyff, epitomized Barcelona’s style of play, according to Erick.

What are Jordi’s top priorities? Cruyff inked the deal with Indonesia earlier on Tuesday, Erick added. “They’re providing technical input and also developing our soccer philosophy, including by finding us a technical director.”

Following Kluivert and his assistant coaches, Dutchmen Denny Landzaat and Alex Pastoor, Cruyff is the newest addition.

South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong was dismissed by Kluivert when Indonesia said it needed more capable leadership.

A federation strategy that encouraged members of the Indonesian diaspora, who were primarily born in the Netherlands, to play for the national team had benefited Shin.