September 5, 2025 | 10:00 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian national team coach Patrick Kluivert has provided an update on Mees Hilgers after the center-back was unable to join the Garuda squad for two FIFA Matchday matches against Taiwan (September 5) and Lebanon (September 8).
Hilgers was initially named in the 27-man squad announced by Kluivert for the home match at Surabaya's Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium. But on Wednesday, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) released a statement on the official Kita Garuda website, stating that Hilgers was unable to join due to being focused on completing the club transfer process, "which is an important part of his career journey'.
"First of all, Mees' situation is not good for him. Deadlines in several countries are still in place," Kluivert said in a press conference ahead of the Taiwan match at GBT Stadium on Thursday.
Hilgers, now 24 years old, was reportedly set to join the French Ligue 1 club Stade Brestois 29. However, his transfer was reported to have collapsed in the final moments of the transfer window on September 1.
Kluivert expressed disappointment at Hilgers' inability to join as he believes that all players should be involved in the preparations for the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Iraq in October.
"As you said, the two international games that we are playing right now are very important," said the 49-year-old coach, referring to the matches against Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) and Lebanon.
"So, we are busy preparing very well for Saudi Arabia, of course. And if a player cannot join, it's not good for him because we are now planning to do a lot of different things," he added.
"I hope all the best (for Mees), of course," he said.
Since his debut in the match against Bahrain in October 2024, Hilgers has made four appearances for the Garuda team. His last appearance for Indonesia was in the final match of the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June 2025, where Indonesia suffered a 0-6 defeat to the Asian giants Japan.
Simon Tahamata's Comments on Mees Hilgers
Indonesian national team talent scout Simon Tahamata expressed regret over Mees Hilgers' decision to prioritize personal matters over joining the national team.
"The Indonesia national team has the right to call up players, because they have to. They have to represent the national team. So, they have to give permission to join. But it all depends on the player's choice. If he wants to play here, he will do everything to play here. But not half-heartedly," Simon said after attending the final of the Nusantara Open 2025 at Garudayaksa field, Bekasi Regency, on Thursday.
On the other hand, Simon understands that choosing a new club is not an easy decision for a professional footballer, considering numerous factors that need to be taken into account. "If you know what's happening in his mind. What's best for him, what's best for his family. Because he has a family. If he has a family, he has to make the right decision, what's best for his family," Simon stated.
"I also did it (when I was still playing as a footballer). But it's not too far, the Netherlands and Belgium are not too far. Just two hours from where I am now. Here, when you come from the Netherlands, you have to fly (by plane). So, it's not easy, friends, to make a decision. But if you believe in something, follow your heart," he added.
Editor’s Choice: Mees Hilgers to Miss Indonesian Team's FIFA Matchday in September
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