Appearing In Malang, Arema FC Instead Will Get Pressure From Supporters

Arema FC coach Javier Roca. (Photo: Arema FC official website)

JAKARTA - Arema FC will face Persib Bandung in the continuation of Liga 1 2022/2023 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, Sunday 11 September.

Arema FC and Persib Bandung are believed to look different. Understandably, both of them have new coaches.

Arema has just appointed Javier Roca as captain to replace Eduardo Almeida. Meanwhile, Persib is now being handled by Luis Milla.

Javier Roca said his team was required to appear slick in this match. Understandably, they will appear in front of their own supporters.

"With pressure from supporters, they always demand victory with more aggressive football games. So, our focus, hopefully tomorrow we can take the best results," Roca said as quoted by Antara, Saturday, September 10.

In this match, Roca did not only want to focus on one or two players against big teams like Persib Bandung.

"In my analysis, we are more focused on their game as a team even though there are several players to watch out for. And indeed, when there are teams that are not healthy it will affect the team," said the former coach of Persik Kediri.

Arema FC is certain not to play with the best team in the match later. Johan Ahmat Farizie, foreign striker Abel Camara and Bagas Adi Nugroho are absent.

With the absence of the Camara, Roca ensured there was an opportunity for local players to show off.

"There must be an opportunity for players who have not played because there is a Camara. But I can't say who it is," he said.

Currently, Singo Edan's team is in 11th place with 11 points, while Persib Bandung is 12th with ten points.