Arema FC Coach Reluctant To Blame Fasting After Failing To Type Three Points From Borneo

Arema FC coach, Joko Susilo. (Photo: Twitter/@AremafcOfficial)

Arema FC failed to pick up three points at home to Borneo FC at the PTIK Stadium, Jakarta. Arema FC coach, Joko Susilo, is reluctant to associate him with the situation of players who are undergoing Ramadan fasting.

In the match which took place on Friday, March 24 evening WIB, Arema FC was held to a 0-0 draw by Pesut Etam's troops. The hosts' performance was actually quite good, but the results did not match expectations.

Even though he admitted that he was not satisfied with the results, Joko Susilo still gave appreciation to his players. He also felt that Arema's defense performance had proven that they had not lost points at least.

"We still appreciate the hard work of the players and the team. We know how we face the level. In terms of results, of course we are not satisfied," said the coach in a press conference after the match on Friday, March 24 evening WIB.

"We want a win, we can't achieve that target. But most importantly we don't lose. If we can't win, don't lose," he continued.

Asked about whether fasting affected the performance of his team this time, Joko Susilo firmly answered that this was not an excuse. Because the opposing team must also experience the same conditions.

"Conducting fasting in the month of Ramadan is not a problem, because the opponent is also fasting," he said firmly.

"We also had a chance in the match, I saw a penalty but the referee's view was different, but this is football," continued Joko Susilo.

Even though they only drew, Arema's performance against Borneo FC this time was also used as an opportunity for Joko Susilo to find out about the team's shortcomings. He realized his team needed to continue the process so that performance would improve.

"We have done hard work, we also know which gaps in our team need to be fixed, but we can't fix them quickly, especially since there are also some players who are not in a fit condition," he concluded.