Menpora Cup 2021: PSM Makassar Satisfied With Draw Score Against Persija

Marco Motta fighting over the ball with Rizky Eka (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - PSM Makassar coach Syamsuddin admitted that he was grateful for his team's 0-0 draw against Persija Jakarta in the 2021 Menpora Cup semifinal at Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region, Thursday night.

"I am grateful because we got a draw. We know Persija is a solid team. All the players have names and there are foreign players," said Syamsuddin during a virtual press conference after the match.

Winning PSM Makassar in every match, admitted Syamsuddin, is always the main target. However, he realized that his team's opponents this time was not a light team.

"We know Persija is above us. When viewed from the player's material, he has everything. I am grateful because this result is a draw. That's what I hope," he said.

Although PSM had mastered the match, he admitted that he asked his players not to rush attacks and prefer to slowly unravel the Kemayoran Tigers' defense.

"We are careful how to build attacks. I want to slowly open the attack because they are gathered in the middle. I do not want to be reckless to attack," he said.

Although one of Persija's foreign players, Marco Motta has been rewarded with a red card at the end of the match, according to him, there are still many other Persija players who should be watched out for in the next match.

The draw score is the result of the prestigious #PSMvsPSJA match tonight.

See you in the 2nd leg of the #MenporaCup2021 semi-final. #EwakoPSM #SiriNaPacce pic.twitter.com/ugL9kx4g2i

- PSM Makassar (@PSM_Makassar) April 15, 2021

"I think anyone who plays at Persija must be careful because the material between Persija who is on the bench and the one playing can be said that the difference is not that far away," said Syamsuddin.