Persib Vs Bali United: Extra Preparation, Not Afraid Of Host Pressure

JAKARTA - The second leg of the 2023/2024 League 1 Championship Series is again presented. Persib hosted Bali United at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Bali United came with a low capital. They could only reap the 1-1 draw in the first leg which was held at home, the Bali United Training Center.

The match without spectators was a factor for Serdadu Tridatu to appear less than optimal in the first leg.

Meanwhile, in the second leg, they will play with the full pressure of Persib supporters. It is certain that Bali United supporters cannot support directly in Bandung.

This situation presents difficulties for Stefano 'Teco' Cugurra's team who need a win to qualify for the final Championship Series.

However, Teco was reluctant to give in to the situation and his guts remained unsurprised. He motivated the team to play without a burden in order to achieve positive results.

"It's definitely a better match when there are supporters who come. In the first leg, we played at the Training Center and not at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium."

"We know that football is entertainment for supporters. There should be better supporters."

"Later, we know there will be supporters from Bandung who will come to the stadium. We will play normally and not only survive for the match later," said Teco.

Teco did not heed the pressure of supporters. He was more focused on preparing the team with extra training, even congregating a team to anticipate extra rounds and penalty shootouts.

"We know Persib is a good team. We will continue to work hard on the field. The first match we almost won at the Training Center, but they can equalize in the 90+9 minute," said Teco.

"We have anticipated if we draw in preparation for the team to face additional rounds and penalties."

"We have practiced in Bali and prepared the players who are ready for the penalty shootout round," said Teco again.

Bali United took 23 players to Persib headquarters. Teco brought maximum ammunition without a single pillar being injured and recovery going well.

Meanwhile, Persib's host did benefit because he received full support from supporters.

However, Maung Bandung was still constrained by a bad record when he met Bali United.

Persib only won once from 16 meetings. Meanwhile, Serdadu Tridatu won six times and drew nine times.

Of Bali United's six victories, three of them were even obtained at home to Persib.

"It's not an easy game. The last three meetings were a draw. I hope the players are motivated to inundate tomorrow's game."

"I hope that tomorrow the stadium can be filled with spectators and the children can get additional motivation. Hopefully in front of supporters, we can get positive results," said Bojan Hodak, Persib coach.

This means that playing with Persib supporters' pressure is not really a problem for Bali United. Previous meeting notes are proof.

This mentality deserves to be watched out for by Persib. It is not impossible that Serdadu Tridatu could steal victory considering this match is like a life-to-life party because the final path to the 2023/2024 League 1 Championship Series final.