Persib Bandung will definitely be without three key players when they visit PSIM Yogyakarta’s home ground for the 2025/26 league match on Sunday.
Beckham Putra, Berguinho, and Alfreanda Dewangga are sidelined due to minor injuries.
Persib Bandung’s coach, Bojan Hodak, explained that the three could not be brought to Yogyakarta to allow for recovery.
However, the injuries suffered by these three players are not serious.
“They have minor injuries, including Dewangga who had some issues during training. That’s why they didn’t come with us. But nothing is serious, I believe they will be able to play again in the next match,” said Bojan Hodak.
In addition to the absent players, Bojan Hodak also responded to the high expectations from Bobotoh who want the team to return with a victory, not just with typical Yogyakarta souvenirs.
“Bobotoh always gives full support. That’s why, wherever we go, the target must be to win. But it’s important to remember, after Persib won two consecutive league titles, every team wants to defeat us. They will fight three hundred percent when facing Persib,” he said.
According to Bojan Hodak, this situation is normal in football. Champion teams always face tougher challenges in the following season.
Therefore, focus and consistency are key for Persib Bandung to remain competitive at the top.
“We know the challenges will get tougher after collecting two or three trophies. That’s normal. The most important thing is we must stay focused and try to achieve positive results in every match,” he emphasized.
With the current squad, Persib Bandung is optimistic they can perform solidly even without several key players when facing PSIM Yogyakarta.
Persib Bandung midfielder, Luciano Guaycochea, stated that his team is ready to face the match against PSIM Yogyakarta in the continuation of the BRI Super League 2025/26 on Sunday afternoon.
Persib Bandung is optimistic they can bounce back after suffering a defeat in the previous match.
“As the coach said, our preparation has been going well. We trained with focus throughout the week. We know we lost the last match, but we are Persib. We are a team that is always expected to play well and hope to achieve positive results,” said Guaycochea.
Guaycochea also highlighted the intense competition in the league this season.
He realizes that Persib Bandung’s status as back-to-back champions makes every opponent more determined when facing them.
“Regarding the league, every match feels difficult for all teams. After Persib won two consecutive years, every opponent wants to defeat us. They play three hundred percent when facing Persib,” he said.
Nevertheless, the Argentine midfielder believes his team can continue to compete at the top.
For him, the most important thing right now is to focus on the match against PSIM Yogyakarta and bring home a victory.
“We certainly have to push ourselves even harder. My hope is that we can win in the upcoming match, because that’s what matters most,” said Guaycochea.
With high fighting spirit, Persib Bandung is believed to remain solid despite facing great pressure from opponents and the expectations of their loyal supporters, Bobotoh.
