Persija Manager Calls Kemayoran Tiger Squad Difficult To Carry Out Angelo Alessio's 'Tall' Philosophy

Persija's Samuel Simanjuntak (center) trying to get past two Persela Lamongan players (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The new coach of Persija Sudirman said that his players had difficulties in carrying out the football philosophy of the previous Kemayoran Tiger tactician, Angelo Alessio.

According to Sudirman, in a virtual press conference that was attended in Jakarta, Thursday night, that was what made Persija's performance less than optimal in the 2021-2022 Indonesian League 1.

"Angelo's football philosophy may be too 'high' so players can't do what they want," said the 52-year-old man.

One example, Sudirman continued, Angelo Alessio wanted his team to apply a pressing strategy from the enemy's defense line.

However, it often happens in strategic matches that the strategy changes suddenly, not according to the plan that was set from the start.

"That's a problem. Changes in tactics like that are a bit confusing so the game doesn't run optimally. Players feel unhappy," said Sudirman.

This immediately became an evaluation for Sudirman when he was appointed head coach of Persija, from previously assistant coach, on Wednesday, January 19.

The captain of the Indonesian national team in 1996 was determined to get closer to the players so that Riko Simanjuntak and his friends understood what he wanted on the field.

"My closeness to players such as my brothers and sisters. I think that is a plus so that the players can understand what I want. It is important to make the team atmosphere cheerful again so that the players can absorb what is given in training," said Sudirman.

Persija is currently in eighth place in the 2021-2022 Indonesian Liga 1 standings with a collection of 29 points from 20 matches.

There are still 14 matches left for Persija in the latest Liga 1. The management of "Macan Kemayoran" targets Sudirman to bring the team to the top three at the end of the season.

For Sudirman, that is a tough target.

"It's a tough target in the current situation. However, however, when I say yes to becoming a coach, I will try my best to make it happen. The players must also show similar efforts. If so, God willing, everything will go smoothly," said Sudirman.

Sudirman will make his debut as Persija head coach in the 2021-2022 Indonesian Liga 1 when his team plays Persita in the 21st week match at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali, next Wednesday, starting at 20.30 WIB.