Aji Santoso Absent From Press Meeting Ahead Of The East Java Derbi, Persebaya Still Sets The Target To End Arema FC's Domination Of Winning Streaks

Aji Santoso (Instagram.com/@officialpersebaya)

JAKARTA - The East Java derby between Persebaya and Arema FC will be presented in Week 27 of Liga 1 2021/2022 on Wednesday, February 23 at 20.45 WIB. Ahead of the match at I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Bali, Persebaya has set a high target to end Arema FC's domination of consecutive wins.

However, the team's target was not conveyed by the head coach, Aji Santoso, but by Mustaqim as the assistant coach. Mustaqim is known to replace Aji Santoso who was not present at the press conference session before the match.

It was later discovered that Aji Santoso was absent due to health problems. In fact, he still had time to lead Bajul Ijo to practice in the morning.

“Coach Aji previously still had time to participate in official training. But now he can't attend the press conference because he's a little unwell," Mustaqim said.

Although the press conference session was not attended by Aji Santoso, Mustaqim made sure it would not interfere with the team's preparations against Arema FC. Because the Persebaya retainer has undergone training in order to get full points in order to stay on the championship track.

"I hope tomorrow's game, all the players can issue the tactics and strategies the coach wants like during training. Hopefully we can take full points to stay on track for the title," said the assistant.

Mustaqim also emphasized that Persebaya is now in high motivation ahead of the hot duel. Because, Bajul Ijo will try to end the dominance of Singo Edan who has not been defeated in the last 23 matches.

“We really want to beat Arema FC because this team is unbeaten. We want to break the chain," he said.

"Moreover, the East Java derby is also a very eagerly awaited match, because it will be against rival team Arema FC," continued Mustaqim.

Finally, regarding the absence of Aji Santoso, Mustaqim emphasized that the coach only allowed permission in the press conference session. Because during the match, Aji Santoso will most likely still be present to accompany the team.

"God willing, Coach Aji may be able to accompany this team during the match on the field. He is also very enthusiastic, especially against a team like Arema FC," concluded Mustaqim.

The absence of Aji Santoso is certainly not an easy matter for the Bajul Ijo team. Because without the coach they seem to have difficulty picking full points.

This was seen when Aji Santoso was absent from accompanying the team in two consecutive matches due to being positive for COVID-19. In these two matches, Persebaya failed to win.

First against Persipura on February 6, they lost 0-2. Then on February 10 against Persela Lamongan, Persebaya was only able to end the match with a 2-2 draw.

This failure has an impact on Persebaya's position in the standings because it has slipped to fifth place. Now, Taisei Marukawa et al are seven points adrift of Arema FC as the top standings.