Former Manchester United Coach May Take Charge of Indonesia National Team

Coach Louis van Gaal is said to be preparing to announce a major decision, and it is likely that he will become the head coach of Indonesia’s national team.

According to sources from 433, Louis van Gaal is expected to hold a press conference on Monday (October 20, 2025) local time, where he is anticipated to reveal significant news.

This event has sparked widespread speculation that Van Gaal might be appointed as the new head coach of Indonesia’s national team.

The timing of Van Gaal’s upcoming announcement coincides just a few days after Patrick Kluivert was dismissed as the head coach of Indonesia’s national team. Two consecutive losses by Garuda in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers led to the Dutch coach’s dismissal.

Van Gaal’s former assistant was considered unable to meet fans’ expectations in leading Indonesia to the 2026 World Cup. His tenure was brief, as Kluivert was only appointed on January 8, 2025, replacing Shin Tae Yong, and officially left the position on October 16 of the same year.

Currently, many names are being mentioned by the media as potential candidates for the head coach position of Indonesia’s national team. However, Erick Thohir, the President of the Indonesian Football Association, remains silent and has confirmed that an official decision will be announced soon.

Among them, the most notable name is Louis van Gaal. In fact, the former Manchester United manager is not new to being linked with the Indonesian team. Before Patrick Kluivert took charge, Van Gaal was already on the shortlist for this role.

Moreover, the Technical Director position of the Indonesian national team, currently held by Alexander Zwiers, was also rumored to be a role Van Gaal might assume.

Now, with Van Gaal’s name being mentioned again, the rumors are heating up, especially since the "Dutch influence" remains strong in the Garuda squad.

Louis van Gaal is one of the most successful and distinctive coaches in world football. Over a coaching career spanning more than three decades, he has managed major clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United.

Under Van Gaal’s leadership, Ajax won the 1994/95 Champions League, while Barcelona and Bayern Munich secured domestic league titles. At the national team level, he guided the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup with disciplined and effective tactics.

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