Overshadowed By A Bad Trend Ahead Of Facing Persib, Persija Jakarta Coach Is Not Under Pressure

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta coach, Carlos Pena, admitted that he was not depressed by his team's recent bad results.

This was revealed by Pena ahead of the prestigious match against Persib Bandung on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Persija Jakarta failed to gain full points in the last three matches. The Kemayoran Tigers were held to a 3-3 draw when they met Persis Solo, drew 2-2 again when they hosted PSBS Biak, and fell 1-2 against Dewa United.

This note is clearly not what Carlos Pena wants, especially at the weekend the Kemayoran Tigers will face a big match against Persib Bandung.

However, Pena accepts that his team's ups and downs are part of a journey.

"It's true we haven't won in the last three games. However, in the previous six matches (before losing to Dewa United), we never lost".

"We have to understand that this defeat is part of our journey in the competition," said Carlos Pena as quoted by Antara on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

However, Carlos Pena understands that the victory over Persib will boost the morale of its players.

Moreover, three points will also be able to cut the gap with Maung Bandung, as well as heat up competition in the race for the League 1 title this season.

"We will gather energy to get three points. Stay focused, do a good job, and have to get a win at home," said the Spaniard.

If you look at the records, in the last five years Persib has indeed been quite dominant over Persija. In detail, five victories for Persib, two victories for Persija, and two draws from the last nine meetings.

Persija last won over Persib when the host status occurred in the 2022/2023 season. At that time, Persija's two winning goals were recorded by Riko Simanjuntak and Michael Krmencik.