Responding To PSIS Vs Persib Bandung Match, Robert Alberts: We Can Add Excellence

Robert Alberts (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Persib Bandung successfully gave PSIS Semarang its first defeat in the ninth week of the 2021/2022 Indonesian League 1 competition at the Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Tuesday night.

Maung Bandung managed to emerge victorious through a single goal scored by Febri Haryadi in the 60th minute and made Persib Bandung the only one who has not lost in Liga 1 this season.

After the match, coach Robert Alberts said he was happy with the results achieved by his students.

"This is an interesting match after the league has been suspended for a year and a half. Every team is starting to gain momentum because conditions are getting better", Alberts said, quoted from Persib's official website, Wednesday.

"So is the understanding between players. It was a very good match and we again achieved the target of getting three points", continued the coach.

Launching Antara, PSIS immediately attacked aggressively against Persib Bandung's defense in the first half where Laskar Mahesa Jenar got two chances but could still be secured by Maung Bandung's backline.

In the 18th minute, Persib midfielder Mohammed Rashid stood free when he received a pass from Marc Klok and he immediately fired hard in front of the penalty box. However, the ball is still wide on the left side of the goal.

Febri Hariyadi had a chance to score, but the ball was too heavy and was blocked by Joko Ribowo with his head in the 30th minute.

In minute 35, Persib managed to get Ezra Walian's first chance but the ball was blocked, as did Rashid's shot a few moments later.

Persib Bandung managed to get a golden opportunity in the 40th minute when Febri Haryadi fired a hard left foot shot straight into the goal.

However, a shot from Febri could still be pushed over by Joko Ribowo over the bar and the first half ended, there were no goals from either Persib or PSIS.

In the second half, PSIS made several substitutions, and substituting Fandi Eko Utomo could pose a threat to Persib's defense, but Teja Paku Alam was able to anticipate it.

Persib Bandung successfully ended the deadlock in the 60th minute when Febri grabbed a wild ball in front of the penalty box with a hard left foot kick and the ball could no longer be blocked by Joko and changed the position to 1-0.

After falling behind, PSIS tried to make efforts to equalize but nothing worked and Persib occasionally made threats.

In the 86th minute, Esteban Vizcarra managed to put pressure on the PSIS penalty box and could have fired a shot but Joko was able to parry the ball, as well as efforts from Wander Luiz and Rashid.

Furthermore, Persib got a golden opportunity to double the advantage when PSIS's corner could be converted into a counter-attack but Febri's header met Frets' pass failed to add to the lead and the score remained 1-0.

Regarding the course of the match, Robert knows very well that PSIS will appear aggressive in attack. Therefore, he prepared anticipation to reduce the attack of Laskar Mahesa Jenar. With strict discipline, the Blue Prince can get out of the pressure.

"PSIS dominated in the first 15 minutes and got a chance to score. But after that, we were able to get out of pressure. In the second half, PSIS again appeared to be pressing", he said.

"But we were ready and finally scored a goal. We could have added the advantage but PSIS also tried to equalize", he concluded.

This victory made Persib the only unbeaten team in Liga 1 and managed to climb to the top of the standings with 19 points from 9 matches.

Furthermore, Persib is scheduled to face Persipura in the 10th week of Liga 1 at the Manahan Stadium, Solo, Saturday, October 30 at 18:15 WIB.