Marc Klok Reveals Conflict with Shin Tae-yong
Pemain timnas Indonesia Marc Klok mencium bola sebelum melakukan sepak pojok saat pertandingan melawan Palestina dalam laga FIFA Matchday di Stadion Gelora Bung Tomo, Surabaya, Rabu (14/6/2023). Pertandingan berakhir imbang dengan skor 0-0.
Marc Klok’s Revelations
Shin Tae-yong (STY) has been at the center of controversy as Indonesian national team player Marc Klok revealed that the coach does not accept input and feels superior to the team. In an interview with ESPN Belanda on Thursday (9/1/2025), the 31-year-old midfielder expressed his conflict with the former Indonesian national team coach. Klok made his debut with the senior Indonesian national team under Shin Tae-yong’s guidance in 2022. However, he found himself sidelined since the 2023 Asian Cup.
Klok’s last appearance for the Indonesian national team was against Vietnam in the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on March 21. Following that match, the Persib playmaker was no longer called up to represent the senior team. Klok revealed that his attempts to discuss game strategies with Shin Tae-yong led to a conflict. He stated, “I had a conflict with the previous national team coach. If you try to discuss with him, your name will be crossed out. That’s what made me leave.”
Language Barrier and Achievements
Klok also highlighted the language barrier as a factor contributing to the friction between STY and the players. Despite the conflicts, Klok acknowledged the achievements of Shin Tae-yong during his nearly five-year tenure with the Indonesian national team. He mentioned, “Many Indonesians praise Shin Tae-yong, who has been coaching Indonesia for almost five years. His dismissal was very surprising because he managed to achieve a lot in developing players and football in this country.”
Patrick Kluivert Takes Over
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) announced the dismissal of Shin Tae-yong from his position as the national team coach on Monday (6/1/2025) and appointed Patrick Kluivert as his replacement. Kluivert was officially introduced as the new coach through PSSI’s social media accounts and official website on Wednesday (8/1/2025).
This revelation by Marc Klok sheds light on the challenges faced by players under Shin Tae-yong’s coaching style. It also emphasizes the importance of effective communication and mutual respect in the coach-player relationship. The story serves as a reminder that successful leadership in sports requires collaboration and open dialogue between all team members.
