Persib Remains Serious Against Persebaya Even though They Have Qualified for the Championship Series

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Persib Bandung will take on Persebaya Surabaya in the continuation of League 1 seriously even though the club from the capital of West Java has confirmed itself to qualify for the Championship Series.

Maung Bandung, nicknamed Persib, will face the team from East Java in the 32nd week of the Indonesian League 1 at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, Saturday (20/4/2024).

In a press conference, Friday (19/4/2024), Persib coach Bojan Hodak emphasized that the certainty that Persib Bandung would qualify for the Championship Series would not affect the seriousness of his troops.

“Tomorrow's home match against Persebaya can be said to be a derby match. We have already qualified for the Championship Series, but we still want to take the match seriously,” explained the Croatian coach.

Bojan emphasized that Persib still wants to consolidate second position. Their success in qualifying for the Championship Series has indeed reduced the pressure on the team so they can play freely.

The coach who once managed PSM Makassar also revealed the condition of his team ahead of the meeting against Persebaya. According to him, there are several players who have not been able to play the full 90 minutes. including Stefano Beltrame and Beckham Putra Nugraha.

They were unable to play when Persib were held to a draw by Persita Tangerang, last Monday. “Some players are not really fit to play for 90 minutes, like Nick (Kuipers), who in the previous match we only played in the second half,” said Bojan.

This 52 year old coach also said that Marc Klok could not play for 90 minutes, including Stefano and Beckham.

Persib Dutch defender Nick Kuipers said the match against Persebaya Surabaya was a special match. This player, who has played for ADO Den Haag, also really hopes for full support from the supporters.

“We continue to look at this match with complete focus, treating all matches as final matches to maintain our motivation in the match,” emphasized Nick, who has been defending Persib since 2019.

Currently, Persib Bandung is in second place in the Indonesian League 1 standings with a total of 56 points from the 31 matches that have been played. Meanwhile Persebaya is in 12th position after pocketing 39 points.