Aji Santoso Gives A Strong Warning About Player Focus Ahead Of Persebaya Vs Persiraja

Persebaya coach, Aji Santoso (Instagram.com/@officialpersebaya)

JAKARTA - The coach of Persebaya Surabaya, Aji Santoso, gave a stern warning to his players regarding their focus on the field. This was conveyed by Aji Santoso ahead of the match against Persiraja Banda Aceh today, Saturday, at 18.15 WIB.

Ahead of the 26th week of Liga 1 2021/2022 match at Kompyang Sujana Stadium, Bali, Aji Santoso doesn't want Bajul Ijo's players to repeat their sins in the previous match. Where when they faced Persela and Persija they lost focus and often conceded goals in extra time.

"Two incidents, when we fought Persela and Persija, that was enough (to be a lesson). I have repeatedly told all the players to stay focused, stay focused until the end of the match," said Aji Santoso at a press conference ahead of the match, quoted from the Persebaya official website.

"I have also given a very strong warning to all players to stay focused until the final whistle," said the coach.

Aji Santoso also did not forget to remind players not to underestimate their opponents. Because when Persebaya is ahead, there are often players who underestimate their opponents and are too confident that they will win easily.

As a result, in the last two matches, Persebaya's goal had to be conceded in minutes of added time and failed to win. In fact, in the game, Aji Santoso said the tactics had been going well.

"There is a little sense of underestimating the opponent, that is a disaster for us," he said.

This was really warned by Aji Santoso because on paper Persebaya is more superior in the match later than Persiraja which is a team that occupies the bottom of the standings.

"We have to do this (focus) in the match against Persiraja so that the players stay focused until the game ends," he said.

In the first round when they met Persiraja, Persebaya won 2-0. But at that time Persiraja was on a resurrection mission.

This was proven by Persiraja through their slick appearance, such as when they beat Persija and held against Arema FC. Ahead of the match later, Persebaya is required to get three points if they want to get back to winning ways.

Because if you fail, the competition for the title will be even more difficult. Persebaya is currently in 5th position in the standings with 45 points.

"If we want to be on the winning track, there is no other choice, we have to win," closed the coach from Malang.