Ze Gomes Reveals 1 Big Challenge Between Arema And Barito Putera

Ze Gomes admitted that he had difficulty with a short match gap ahead of Arema vs Barito Putera (Instagram/@aremafcofficial).

JAKARTA - Arema FC coach, Ze Gomes, revealed the big challenge his team will face when they host Barito Putera in the 27th week of Liga 1 2024/2025. The team's busy schedule is a factor that must be addressed.

Arema FC will host Barito Putera at Soepriadi Stadium, Blitar, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 20.30 WIB. However, the match was only four days from Arema FC's last schedule against Persija in Bekasi on March 9, 2025.

This situation makes Arema's recovery time very short. Ze and his players only have a three-day gap to make preparations against Barito Putera.

"Preparing for this match, we don't have much time, that's the truth. We traveled and yesterday we just recovered training. Today (Wednesday, March 12, 2025) we are just starting preparations for the next match," said Ze Gomes, quoted from the official website on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Despite being faced with the lack of preparation time, Ze Gomes must have a priority scale. According to him, recovery for his troops is more important to deal with this match.

"In this case, thank God we have provided more time for players to recover. I'm sure they will be better prepared for the match," said the Portuguese coach.

"It motivates us and fatigue will go with victory. Arema is not alone, the opposing team also has the same problem (about recovery)," he said.

Arema is currently ninth in the 2024/2025 Liga 1 standings with a collection of 39 points.

Singo Edan is targeting three points when hosting Barito Putera to move up to sixth in the standings.