Menpora Cup 2021: Persija Coach Admits PSM Makassar Defense Is Very Strong

Persija Jakarta coach Sudirman and Persija player Riko Simanjuntak gave a virtual press statement after the match against PSM Makassar (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Persija Jakarta coach Sudirman admitted that PSM Makassar's defense was very strong, making it difficult for his team to score goals in the 2021 Menpora Cup semi-final at Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, Thursday night, which ended with a score of 0-0.

"I think the defense of PSM is very strong and they play with fanaticism, very persistently so that the opportunities we got were not converted into goals," said Sudirman during a virtual press conference after the match.

Sudirman admitted that the first leg of the semifinal was very tough. In addition to the two teams being both determined to win, the slippery conditions in the field, which were slippery with rain, also added to the inconvenience of the Kemayoran Tigers in converting a number of opportunities into goals.

"So this draw is a very fair result in tonight's match," he said.

Sudirman also regretted that Marco Motta should be rewarded with a red card when the game's tension was high to beat Juku Eja.

He hopes that the red card obtained by the Italian-born player will not target other Persija players in the next semi-final leg.

"I hope my players in the second leg won't get another red card. It's a shame when we press we need players who are all complete, but we lose players," he said.

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— Persija Jakarta (@Persija_Jkt) April 15, 2021

Persija player Riko Simanjuntak agrees with his coach's opinion. He admitted that it was a hassle to penetrate the PSM Makassar defense which was so strong that it was unable to turn opportunities into goals.

"For the next match, that will be our homework. We still have a second leg, that's what we will have to think about, forget this match. We focus on the second leg because we believe we want to go to the final," said Riko.