Ex-Barcelona star Kluivert to join Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar will this week welcome Dutch great Patrick Kluivert to the club to take up a two-week coaching role.

Working with head coach Ange Postecoglou, Kluivert will bring all his top-flight experience to inspire the squad in their push for a Hyundai A-League semi-finals place.

Having recently secured his UEFA “A” coaching licence, Kluivert is excited by the prospect of working with the coaching staff to help develop the club’s young talent.

Postecoglou said the Dutchman’s visit will have both short-term and long-term benefits for the club.

“Short-term I believe this will help inspire the players to take their game to the next level,” he said.

“It’s not often a player in this country gets to spend quality time working with, and learning from, one of the greatest players of the modern era.

“I’m sure the players will use every minute available to them to make the most of the opportunity.

“Long-term it is about building strong relationships outside of Australian football and using those contacts to strengthen the club.

“We are extremely ambitious and we see Patrick’s visit as just the start of our program to build a strong club not only in Australia, but in Asia.”

Brisbane CEO Peter McLennan said the visit was a clear indication of the new direction the club was taking.

“This endeavour shows the ambition we have as a club and the positive direction we are headed in,” McLennan said.

“Patrick’s arrival is a part of the big picture for the future of Brisbane Roar and is an indication of the big things which lay ahead for us as a club.”

On his return to Europe, Kluivert will act as an official ambassador for the club, a role which would encompass player-talent identification as well as direct club links.

His ambassadorial role could also include return visits to Brisbane in the future to continue in aiding player development.

Kluivert will arrive in Brisbane on Saturday and be in attendance at Saturday’s blockbuster clash at Suncorp Stadium against traditional rivals Sydney FC.

There he will be introduced to the players and crowd prior to the match.