Marc Klok: Profile, Achievements, and Controversies Regarding His Statement About Shin Tae-yong

Kapanlagi.com - Marc Klok, a naturalized midfielder from the Netherlands who currently plays for Persib Bandung, suddenly became the center of public attention after his statement regarding former Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, in an exclusive interview with ESPN Netherlands. Klok's comments sparked a controversy involving Shin's former assistant, Kim Jong-jin.

The story began when Marc Klok referred to Shin Tae-yong as a "dictator." This statement immediately triggered controversy and forced ESPN Netherlands to amend its article by removing the term that caused the uproar. However, the effects of the statement had already spread, and various parties began to respond, including Kim Jong-jin who accused Klok of spreading lies.

Days later, Marc Klok provided clarification. He explained that the context of his interview had been misinterpreted due to translation errors. Despite offering an explanation, the debate surrounding the statement remained a hot topic among the public.

Here are the achievements and football career journey of Marc Anthony Klok in Indonesia, summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Thursday (23/1).

1. Brief Profile of Marc Klok: From Amsterdam to Indonesia

Marc Anthony Klok, a talented footballer born in Amsterdam on April 20, 1993, has made his mark in the world of football with an impressive journey. He began his career at the FC Utrecht academy, moving on to various European clubs, including Ross County in Scotland and Oldham Athletic in England.

However, his turning point came in April 2017 when he arrived in Indonesia to join PSM Makassar, where he emerged as a vital pillar in midfield and helped the team win the Indonesian Cup in 2019. After success with Persija Jakarta and winning the Menpora Cup in 2021, Klok continued his adventure by joining Persib Bandung.

As a naturalized player, he officially became an Indonesian citizen on November 12, 2020, and has since recorded 25 appearances and contributed four goals for the Indonesian National Team, proving that his dedication to football in the homeland is undeniable.

2. The Controversy of "Dictator" Shin Tae-yong: The Beginning of the Polemic Until He is Called a Liar Player

The issue began from an interview with Marc Klok on ESPN Netherlands in early January 2025, where he commented on Shin Tae-yong's leadership style. In the interview, Klok referred to Shin Tae-yong as a "dictator". This term was immediately condemned by Kim Jong-jin, Shin's former assistant.

Kim Jong-jin even called Klok a player who lied about the South Korean coach. According to Kim, Shin Tae-yong is known as someone who is open to discussions and input from players.

After this controversy spread, ESPN Netherlands revised the interview article with Klok and removed the term "dictator". However, the impact had already spread, especially among football fans.

"Marc Klok was the one who said it? It's everywhere, even in the news in South Korea. His name is in the news in South Korea because of what he said, which is not true," said Kim Jong-jin, as referenced from bola.com.

"I sent him a message saying 'brother, that's enough. You keep telling lies. Whatever you say, it’s clearly not good. You are the only player who lies in the media and they are trying to oppose coach Shin Tae-yong without reason, with lies. Why are you doing this?'," he added.

3. Marc Klok's Clarification: Translation Error or Misunderstanding?

On January 10, 2025, Marc Klok drew public attention with an official statement revealing a mistake in the translation of his interview with ESPN Netherlands. He acknowledged that the terms used in the article did not fully reflect his intentions and emphasized that there were no personal issues between him and coach Shin Tae-yong.

Instead, Klok expressed his gratitude for the valuable opportunity provided by the South Korean coach during their collaboration with the Indonesian National Team.

Despite having clarified the situation, public opinion remains divided between Klok's supporters and those defending Kim Jong-jin over Shin Tae-yong.

"There was context missing in the translation of my interview in Dutch; perhaps I also used some inappropriate words, but I am grateful for the trust and the time I spent with Coach Shin Tae-yong, and I learned a lot from him," Marc explained on Friday (1/10).

4. Statistics and Career of Marc Klok in Clubs and the Indonesian National Team

Marc Klok, the star of the green field who is currently shining with Persib Bandung, has a career journey that deserves a thumbs up. With a record of 14 goals and 19 assists in 110 appearances, he has become the driving force of the team’s attack. Previously, his contributions at PSM Makassar were equally impressive, scoring 17 goals and 12 assists from 102 matches.

On the international stage, Klok has established himself as one of the vital pillars in the midfield of the Indonesian National Team since 2022, with 25 appearances and four goals for the Garuda squad.

However, his career journey has not always been smooth; harsh criticism from Bobotoh came after Persib suffered a defeat to Dewa United in January 2024, where his performance was deemed below standard.

5. Shin Tae-yong and Marc Klok: A Complex Relationship

Amid various controversies, Shin Tae-yong actually holds a positive view of Marc Klok. The South Korean coach once entrusted Klok to strengthen the Indonesian U-22 National Team at the 2021 SEA Games, where his contributions were vital in leading the Merah Putih squad to win the gold medal.

Their closeness was also evident when Shin and Klok engaged in a warm conversation during the Liga 1 2021/2022 match, proving that although their relationship was momentarily shaken by circulating issues, their professional bond remained strong.

6. Why is Marc Klok calling Shin Tae-yong a dictator?

This statement emerged during Klok's interview with ESPN Netherlands, which was later revised due to a translation error.

7. What is Shin Tae-yong's response to this controversy?

Until now, Shin Tae-yong has not provided a direct response regarding Marc Klok's statement.

8. What are Marc Klok's achievements with the Indonesian National Team?

Klok helped the Indonesian National Team win a gold medal at the 2021 SEA Games and scored four goals in 25 appearances.

9. What are Marc Klok's statistics at Persib Bandung?

Klok has scored 14 goals and provided 19 assists in 110 appearances with Persib since joining in 2021.

(kpl/rmt)