Teco's Strategy Prepares Bali United For The President's Cup And AFC Cup Nearby

Stefano Cugurra (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Bali United Head Coach Stefano Cugurra remains focused on preparing his team for the AFC Cup as the 2022 President's Cup pre-season tournament takes place in the near future.

"We are still preparing the team because we have only tried out two matches. We are still focused on the AFC Cup, especially since the schedule is quite close," said Teco, his nickname, quoted by Antara from the club's official website, Wednesday.

Regarding the prize, which has a fantastic value for the winner of the President's Cup, Teco said that it would be welcomed by all participating teams.

The winner of the tournament will receive a prize of Rp. 2 billion, the runner-up will receive Rp. 1 billion, while the 3rd and 4th place winners will each receive Rp. 500 million.

"When there is a prize from the competition of course it's good for all the teams and not just with Bali United," said the Brazilian coach.

If you look at the schedule for the 2022 Presidential Cup that has been released, Bali United will have their first match against Persib Bandung on Sunday, 12 June.

Followed by facing Bhayangkara FC on Thursday (16/6) and closing this preliminary round on Monday (20/6) against Persebaya Surabaya.

Most likely, Serdadu Tridatu will return to the Island of the Gods on Tuesday (21/6) or the next day.

This means that it takes two days of preparation for the first match in the 2022 AFC Cup on Friday (24/6) against Kedah Darrul Aman (Malaysia).

Teco revealed that his team's situation was recognized as having the potential for all of their players to be able to give their best for Bali United.

"We have to see the last match against Persebaya because it is quite close to the AFC Cup preliminary round. Everything has to be seen later from the players themselves, maybe there are injuries, or illness, which means our coaching team must prepare other players who are ready later," he said.

For the AFC Cup, after playing on June 24, Ilija Spasojevic and colleagues will meet with representatives of the Cambodian team, Visakha FC on June 27.

Then, the final match on 30 June 2022 will face Kaya FC Iloilo as a determinant of qualifying or not in the next round.