Facing PSM Makassar, Persija Threatened Minus Many Players

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta again continues the hunt for points by playing an away match to the PSM Makassar headquarters. However, ahead of the meeting in the 16th week, the Kemayoran Tigers are threatened with minus many players.

This situation occurred because a number of Persija Jakarta players were injured. Angelo Alessio, Persija's coach, was forced to rack his brains over this situation.

"I don't even know how many players we will have in the next match because we lack material. Osvaldo Haay is injured, Rio Fahmi needs recovery, other players have problems," explained Angelo Alessio, quoted from Persija's official website, Monday. December 6th.

Injury storms in the Persija camp caused a number of core players to collapse, including Osvaldo Haay, Novri Setiawan, Otavio Dutra to Rio Fahmi who had to undergo treatment. The players are also not yet known whether they will be fielded against PSM later.

Previously, it was known that Persija Jakarta only had three days of rest and training after the last match against Tira Persikabo. Meanwhile, PSM as a potential opponent actually benefited because they had one day more time.

This situation actually continues to be experienced by Persija during the third series of Liga 1 2021. This makes Angelo Alessio worry about the fitness of his team.

"In this complex moment it was actually very difficult for us to play well to dominate the game. Our possession of the ball was not so good because the players were tired, but we tried the best we could to win the game," Alessio added.

Despite being in an unfavorable situation, Alessio still tries to encourage his team to perform optimally.

"We have to move forward, maintain focus, have to be strong and think positively, because these are tough times for Persija Jakarta," he concluded.

Persija is scheduled to visit Manahan Stadium, Solo to play the match against PSM Makassar. In the match week 16 which took place on Tuesday, December 7 night, Persija had to get three points to boost their position in the standings.