Persija Jakarta Appoints Bepe As Team Manager

Bambang Pamungkas (TWitter @persija_Jkt)

JAKARTA - The Persija Jakarta Club officially appointed one of its legends, Bambang Pamungkas as the team's new manager. Bepe's appointment - as he is usually called - was announced at a press conference at the Elite Club Epicentrum, Jakarta, Friday, January 17.

Persija President Muhammad Prapanca introduced Bambang as the new manager of his club along with the presentation of the new head coach Sergio Farias.

Persija Jakarta officially introduced Coach Sergio Farias as head coach and legend Bambang Pamungkas as team manager. # PersijaJakarta pic.twitter.com/Hl0e3RPq8k

- Persija Jakarta (@Persija_Jkt) January 17, 2020

"We have appointed Bepe to be the team manager for the 2020 season, with the hope of winning League 1," said Muhammad.

Bepe admits that he is still green in managerial matters, but he is confident that with the knowledge and experience he has, he can contribute maximally to the Kemayoran Tigers.

"I have never been a team manager. But the work system will not change much like when I was captain, but the difference is that I am not on the field," said Bepe.

"I have been familiar with this team for a long time. I am accelerating the introduction of the coach to the team," Persija manager Bambang Pamungkas. 👆 # PersijaJakarta

- Persija Jakarta (@Persija_Jkt) January 17, 2020

The managerial position is quite an important position, but Bepe promised he would only take care of technical matters off the pitch and would not interfere with coach Sergio Farias' decisions.

"I have had a career in Asia for 14 years, then to Indonesia because I like work and challenges. I am also proud to have won the Asian Champions League, but that is the past. Therefore, I want a new challenge with Persija," Coach Sergio Farias ✊ # PersijaJakarta

- Persija Jakarta (@Persija_Jkt) January 17, 2020

Since a few days ago there have been rumors that the figure who is familiarly called Bepe will take the position of team manager after he retires as a footballer last season.

Bepe was caught wearing formal attire at the PSAU mosque adjacent to the Persija training location at Sutasoma Field, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base Complex, Jakarta, on Monday.

On the same day, the previous manager of Persija, First Marshal Ardhi Tjahjoko, announced his resignation from that position.

Bepe said he was hesitant to accept the management proposal that persuaded him to become a manager. However, he later accepted because he felt there was a strong inner bond between him and Persija Jakarta.

"I want to be the manager of Persija because this team has high targets. If not, then what for," Bepe believes.