PSIM Yogyakarta, Hunt For Hattrick Victory In Pati

PSIM Yogyakarta during training before facing Persipa Pati in Liga 2. (PSIM Yogyakarta)

YOGYAKARTA - PSIM Yogyakarta brought good capital when they visited Persipa Pati in the League 2 match. In an away match at Joyokusumo Stadium, Thursday, September 26, 2024 WIB, PSIM hunted for a victory hat trick.

PSIM started the second caste competition with a perfect result. After a 3-0 win over Adhyaksa FC in the home match, PSIM successfully beat Bhayangkara Presisi FC 1-0. The victory that brought PSIM to the top of Group 2 standings.

Only, PSIM was forced to go down to second position after being shifted by Persija Jepara who defeated Sriwijaya FC 1-0. This victory made Persijap get eight points.

However, PSIM will shift Persijap and reclaim the top position if they beat Persipa. The hunt for the victory hat trick was launched by Laskar Mataram during the second away match.

"We have made thorough preparations. So, we have a maximum target in this match. But we also have to be vigilant because Persipa is clearly a strong opponent. They are a team that has high determination. Likewise, the motivation of the players is very strong," said PSIM coach Seto Nurdiantoro when mentioning the team's chances of winning a hat trick at the beginning of the competition week.

Seto did not underestimate the opposing team who were waiting for the moment of revival. Yes, Persipa's achievements are in stark contrast to PSIM because they only collected one point when they drew 1-1 against Nusantara United.

Meanwhile, in the other two matches, they had to admit the superiority of Bhayangkara FC 1-0 and were then forced to surrender 2-0 over Persekat Tegal.

"They reap unsatisfactory results so they will try to get up when facing us. This is what makes Persipa cannot be underestimated. Moreover, Persipa is handled by coach Bambang Nurdiansyah, senior and taught me a lot. Likewise, I learned a lot from coach Bambang," said Seto again.

The problem is, Persipa uses a field with synthesis grass at home matches. Seto admits that the players are still not used to playing on the field with such grass.

"There are even players who have never played on a synthesis grass field. This is our problem. But from two exercises, players have started to get used to the grass. I hope they have adapted to the match," said Seto.

Meanwhile, Persipa hunted for the first victory to improve the position and situation of the team that was slumped. Coach Bambang Nurdiansyah hopes that there will be changes to the team's performance and they can get the first three points.

"I hope there will be changes so that we can get the first three points red. We will try our best to improve the situation," said Bambang.

According to him, the team needs a lot of improvement, not only physically but also mentally and engineering. More than that players must 'want to ngel' or play with a high fighting spirit.

"Filosoffi wani ngeyel harus diciptakan di lapangan. Ini tak lainnya sebagai fighting spirit yang seharusnya tak hanya disampaikan tetapi ditunjukkan di lapangan. Namun untuk wani ngeyel harus punya modal, yaitu tenaga." ujar mantan striker timnas era 1980-an ini

"In addition, from the technical side, our midfield is still not optimal. Meanwhile, in the front, the final settlement is still bad. The front players are also still lacking in creating opportunities. We do need improvements in all aspects," he said.

PSIM Yogyakarta hunted for a victory hat trick against Persipa Pati in the League 2 match. However, Persipa also targeted the first victory after reaping bad results in the first three matches in the competition.