Persib Coach Value League Plan 1 Held February 1 Is Not Rational

Persib Bandung Coach Robert Rene Alberts (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - PSSI and PT Liga Indonesia Baru are still seeking permission from the police to continue the competition. However, some of them, Persib Bandung coach Robert Rene Alberts, considered that the plan to hold the Indonesian League 1 on February 1 was irrational.

This assumption refers to the team's preparations that could not have been carried out in a very tight time, especially now that it is already January 8, while the permit has not yet been issued.

At least clubs need a full month to achieve the desired performance and that too with minimal preparation. On the other hand, many foreign players have left and it is difficult for the team to bring in new players.

Clubs that still tie foreign players are not left confused. The majority of foreign players are in their respective countries and it is difficult to return in the near future due to the impact of tightening regulations in and out of a country.

"From a scientific and technical point of view, we cannot possibly expect a quality match after one year of not having a match," said Robert Rene Alberts some time ago as quoted by Antara.

"After not playing for 10 months, simultaneously it is a dangerous thing for players because they cannot prepare themselves optimally," he continued.

Not only about players, clubs are also faced with difficult situations, especially in financial terms. No competition for 10 months means no additional income for the smooth running of the club.

Two clubs have even stated that they have stopped their independent training activities, such as Madura United and Persipura Jayapura, which are even in the midst of a financial crisis due to their main sponsor resigning and not paying off the remaining contracts.

Robert asked PSSI to stop the 2020 competition and better organize for the 2021 season so that the club can prepare itself more thoroughly.

"My message is to stop thinking about the 2020 competition regardless of the position in the standings, stop it based on the rules and focus on facing the new league season 2021," he said.

In line with Robert Alberts, Persija Jakarta goalkeeper Andritany Ardhiyasa urged PSSI to immediately take a stand by determining league planning and the status of the 2020 season.

"The ideal preparation period for footballers is four to six weeks before the competition starts. If it is less than that, it will be risky for football players," Andritany said in an official release from APPI.

The decision regarding the fate of the competition will affect the decisions of players and clubs, especially many players whose contracts have expired in December.

"For this reason, decisions regarding the status and timing of the competition will be very influential for the preparation of footballers. Whether it is to continue the pending 2020 competition, or to start a new 2021 season competition," he said.