Tira Persikabo: Defeating Persija Is 'Koentji'

Illustration (doc. between)

DENPASAR - Tira Persikabo Bogor is still looking for ways to escape the threat of relegation and still be able to compete in Liga 1, as the highest caste of national football at this time. One of them is the obligation to wrap up the victory when they meet Persija Jakarta, in the 31st week match, which will be held at Kompyang Sujana Stadium, Denpasar, Sunday, March 13.

"Our motivation is how to get full points and survive potential relegation," said Tira Persikabo coach Liestiadi in a virtual press conference before the match, Saturday, March 12.

Currently, Tira Persikabo is still in 12th place in the Liga 1 standings, with 34 points from 30 matches. If you succeed in getting three points from the match against Persija, then the total points collected will be 37, higher than the maximum score for the teams that are currently still in the relegation zone.

However, Tira Persikabo feels that the target of victory is quite difficult to achieve, considering the absence of a number of their mainstay players, such as Aleksandar Rakic, Ciro Alves and Muhammad Dimas Drajad who are affected by yellow card accumulation.

The absence of the trio of strikers is clearly a blow for Tira Persikabo, because the combination of the three has proven to have resulted in 29 goals in Liga 1. Ciro Alves is the biggest contributor to goals with 17 goals, Dimas Drajat with nine goals and Aleksander Rakic with three goals.

"We from the coaching team have to work hard to formulate a strategy because it is difficult to replace these attackers. However, we are sure that whoever is sent as a replacement will definitely give their best," said Liestiadi.

Meanwhile, Tira Persikabo defender Gilang Ginarsa, who was also present at the press conference, said he was confident that the coaching team would be able to find a solution for the absence of the mainstay trident on the front lines.

Gilang also ensured that all Laskar Padjadjaran players were in a combat-ready condition and ready to be deployed.

"All players are in good health. We also hope for support from the fans so that they can really secure a position in League 1," said Gilang.