Persebaya Extends Counter Aji Santoso For The Next 2 Seasons

JAKARTA - Persebaya Surabaya coach, Aji Santoso officially received a two-year contract extension from the management of Bajul Ijo. This is a form of appreciation for the coach who has brought the team to appear impressively in Liga 1 2021/2022 as residents of the top five of the final standings.

The news about the 51-year coach's contract extension was announced by Persebaya via their official social media on Monday, April 4. Management is considering a contract extension considering the coach's achievements with his foster children.

"Survive! The best coach for the 2021/2022 season, Aji Santoso will still be in charge of Persebaya. Coach Aji has received a contract extension for the next two years", Persebaya wrote on Instagram.

Aji Santoso first took charge of Persebaya in 2019, at which time Aji was willing to leave PSIM Yogyakarta to fill the vacant position left by Wolfgang Pikal who chose to resign.

Under the tutelage of Aji Santoso, Bajul Ijo slowly but surely began to show improvement. Seeing this progress, the management then extended the coach's contract on February 24, 2021.

The contract is the second time with a season duration.

To regain his trust, this season, Aji Santoso chose to prioritize young players and new foreign players from Persebaya to challenge for the championship. Unfortunately, the team's performance had dropped at the end of the season, so the chance to lift the trophy disappeared.

However, Aji's touch is considered extraordinary. He can turn Marselino Ferdinand into the best young player and Taisei Marukawa into the best player in Liga 1 2021/2022.

With this achievement, Aji for the first time received a two-season contract extension, after previously always getting one season.