Ezra Walian Is Not Sure To Play In The Menpora Cup Semifinals

JAKARTA - Persib Bandung coach Robert Rene Alberts has not been able to confirm that his two-star players, Ezra Walian and Wander Luiz, will be in the second leg of the 2021 Menpora Cup semi-final against PSS Sleman at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Monday night.

Although both have the opportunity to appear, the Dutch coach admits that he will see their performance in the last training first.

"If they train well and show a good performance then they play. If not, we will not give an opportunity because it has a risk", said Roberts during a virtual press conference ahead of the Menpora Cup semi-final second leg on Sunday, reported by Antara.

As is known, Ezra Walian and Wander Luiz missed the first leg of the semifinals when Persib Bandung against PSS at Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Friday, April 16 evening.

Wander Luiz had to be absent after receiving a red card against Persebaya Surabaya, while Ezra Walian was not seen against PSS Sleman due to injury.

Most importantly, said the former Arema coach, the players can play comfortably and well because they haven't competed for a long time.

"The important thing about this tournament is that players can show the 'feeling' of playing football because they haven't played for a long time", said Robert.

Regarding the target, Robert emphasized that he definitely wanted to qualify for the final and win the Menpora Cup, as well as for the League 1 competition in the 2021 season.

"We've made a recovery from yesterday's match and I hope Persib Bandung's good game can continue until the final because that's our goal", concluded Robert.

In the first leg of the Menpora Cup semi-final, Persib Bandung won 2-1 over PSS Sleman in a match at Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Friday, April 16 evening.