Breaking Up With Angelo Alessio, Persija Affirms Need For Change

Angelo Alessio has been dismissed as Persija coach (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - In the middle of the second half of Liga 1 2021/2022, Persija Jakarta delivered a farewell message to the coach, Angelo Alessio. The collaboration between Persija and Alessio ended towards the 21st week.

Based on information, the decision of the Kemayoran Tigers to end the collaboration with the Italian coach was because the team's performance had not improved. Whereas in the last transfer window, the team had the arrival of seven quality new players.

The confirmation of Alessio's dismissal was conveyed in an official statement by Persija Club President, Mohammad Prapanca on Wednesday, January 19. Prapanca called this decision a professional one.

The management of Persija Jakarta and Angelo Alessio agreed to end their cooperation towards the 21st week. The team's performance that never improved despite the arrival of quality new players was the reason. Grazie Angelo!#BelieveIn12 #PersijaJakarta pic.twitter.com/cPibSE1WZA

— Persija Jakarta (@Persija_Jkt) January 19, 2022

"This decision was taken purely for professional reasons. Persija need changes, and this is one part that must be passed to change Persija to a better direction," said Prapanca.

Indeed, Persija Jakarta appeared quite impressive in the first round. Of the six wins, seven draws, and four defeats, the Kemayoran Tigers earned 25 points. However, Marco Simic et al's troops actually fell at the beginning of the second round, it was seen from the results in three matches in the second round where they only won four points.

The four points were obtained after Persija won 2-1 over PSIS Semarang, lost 1-2 against Persipura Jayapura, and drew 1-1 with Persela Lamongan.

For management, these four points are not enough to boost Persija's position on the Liga 1 standings. Moreover, Persija is currently still in 8th position with 29 points, 12 points adrift of Arema FC who topped the standings with 41 points.

This situation is still far from the management's expectations, which previously targeted Persija to finish in the top three of the standings at the end of the season.

"Apart from the unsatisfactory result, we also want to thank Angelo Alessio for daring to give Persija's young players the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Liga 1," said Prapanca.

"This will be Persija's foundation in building a team in the future. We also wish Angelo for success in his future career," he concluded.