Persija Coach Regrets Team Can't Host Persib in Jakarta
Jakarta – Persija coach Mauricio Souza regrets that his team cannot host the Week 32 BRI Super League match against Persib Bandung in Jakarta.
The match, scheduled for Sunday (10/5) at 15:30 PM WIB, was originally planned to be held in Jakarta but was moved to Samarinda at Segiri Stadium due to security concerns.
"We talked about this. We really regret that we can't play at our home. But we are grateful to Borneo for welcoming us warmly," Souza said at the pre-match press conference in Samarinda on Saturday.
Second Meeting This Season
This is the second meeting between Persija and Persib this season. In the first meeting in January, Macan Kemayoran lost 0-1 at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium in Bandung.
Souza stated that his team understands how much prestige is at stake in this match.
"My hope is that the match will be safe for everyone, and the players can respect each other. We can make this an extraordinary match between two big teams," he said.
Standings and Title Race
Persija still has a chance for the title, sitting in third place with 65 points—seven points behind Persib who leads the table with 72 points.
A victory over Persib will keep Persija's title hopes alive, provided Borneo FC loses to hosts Bali United on Monday (11/5).