DomainJava .COM – Persebaya already has a very complete squad, confident of starting the second round of Liga 1 2024-2025 week 18 with an eye on facing hosts PSS Sleman at Manahan Stadium Solo, Saturday (11/1/2025) afternoon.
For several days the team has been training with the full squad, especially two new Bajol Ijo recruits, Dime Dimov and Dejan Tumbas, who have joined the team.
As we know, Persebaya is currently in 2nd place in the standings after Persib Bandung, which collected 39 points after drawing against Bali United, Wednesday (7/1/2025).
Meanwhile, Persebaya with 37 points is in 2nd place in the standings and is confident of being able to steal points from the hosts in the upcoming match against PSS Sleman.
Persebaya was fortunate that the match was held at the Manahan Stadium, which was far from the fierce PSS Sleman fans.
To regain control of the top of the standings, Persebaya still has to wait for Persib Bandung’s second match against PSBS Biak on the same day as the Bajol Ijo squad.
If Persebaya is able to steal 3 points and Persib only plays a draw, Persebaya will certainly return to the top of the standings.
Persebaya coach Paul Munster revealed that the team’s preparations were going smoothly, especially after the players’ physical condition returned to optimal level.
According to him, the focus of training will shift to honing tactics ahead of the first match of the upcoming second round.
“Preparations for the second round are going well. After this we will move on to tactical training. His physical condition has returned after training for several days. “We are preparing for the first match of the second round against PSS,” he said.
For this reason, he also encouraged all players to perform optimally in training sessions.
According to him, performance on the training field will greatly determine who is chosen as a starter or substitute in the match.
“The presence of two new foreign players brings positive competition within the team. “All players have to compete for places,” said Paul Munster.
Meanwhile, Dime Dimov, who arrived in Surabaya first, seemed to adapt more quickly.
Meanwhile, Dejan Tumbas still needs a few more days to adjust to the new environment.
However, the coach from Northern Ireland believes that his two new players are professional players with quality and experience who will help Persebaya compete in the second round of Liga 1 2024/25.
“Dime came first, so adaptation was faster. Dejan still needs a few more days. “This is a new country with a new climate and football culture, of course they need time to adapt,” said the former Bhayangkara FC coach.
He confirmed that his two new players will be ready to play when the league starts, but the decision whether they will be starters or substitutes will only be taken after the official training session. **
“They will be ready in time. “But if asked whether they will start or play, as before I will decide after official training,” he concluded. **
