Ahead of the Kandang Match against Persib, Persebaya Determined to Fight Maximum

JAKARTA - Persebaya Surabaya coach Bernardo Tavares stated that his team is ready to give the maximum resistance and perform without burden when facing Persib Bandung in the 24th week of the 2025/2026 BRI Super League at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT) Surabaya, Monday (2/3) night.

"They have the ability to rotate many quality players. It's like Malaysia's big team Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) but in Indonesia. If you look at the market value, the pressure is on the opponent. On our side, we don't feel burdened (nothing to lose)," said Bernardo Tavares at a pre-match press conference at the GBT Surabaya Stadium, Sunday night.

In addition, Tavares admitted that Persib is the team with the strongest defense in the league this season who has only conceded 11 goals, far outnumbering Persebaya who has conceded 23 goals.

However, he believes that the collectiveness of his students who have begun to develop well can dampen the aggressiveness of opponents.

"They are a very competitive team and have high accuracy. We have to be very focused, both when we have the ball and when we lose the ball. Against a strong team, our team can also develop," he said.

When asked about the 4-1 landslide victory over Persib last season, the Portuguese coach stressed that the result was history and could not be a benchmark for tomorrow's match.

Not only that, Tavares was also aware of the advantage of Persib players' posture, who often take advantage of dead ball situations or set-pieces and cross passes.

He asked his players to maintain the intensity of the game as in the previous match against PSM Makassar.

"If we can repeat that intensity, I think we have a chance. We have to be ready with plans A, B, and C to face the champion," said Tavares.

Therefore, Tavares hopes that Bonek and Bonita can fully support by being present directly at the stadium to provide a different atmosphere.

"The atmosphere from the supporters is very important to give extra energy to the players. We will need it tomorrow, and facing a strong team like this is an opportunity for our team to grow," he said.

Meanwhile, in line with the coach, the wing striker and Persebaya captain Bruno Moreira hopes the presence of Bonek and Bonita can fill the stadium to provide additional energy to win three points.

"As the coach said, we hope that supporters can come to support us. They are very important so that we can play a great match at home to continue to fight for the top of the standings," said the Brazilian.