High Pressing Key to Persebaya's Victory Over Persija, Says Coach Tavares

Persebaya Surabaya secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Persija Jakarta in their Piala Presiden 2026 group stage match, with coach Bernardo Tavares highlighting his team's high-pressing strategy as the key to their success. The win came courtesy of a well-executed defensive pressure that forced Persija into a critical error.

Tavares explained that the decisive goal originated from effective pressing in the opponent's half. "The goal that decided the match started from a high press that we executed very well, leading the opponent to make a bad pass to the goalkeeper," Tavares stated in the post-match press conference. He added that while luck can play a role, it often stems from hard work.

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The goal that decided the match started from a high press that we executed very well, leading the opponent to make a bad pass to the goalkeeper. Sometimes luck is needed, but luck comes from hard work.

The Portuguese tactician praised his team's solid performance, both in possession and defense. Persebaya created more dangerous chances than their opponents, with players like Francisco Rivera, Ramadhan Sananta, and Miguel Pereira failing to convert several golden opportunities into additional goals.

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This is a very intense match for a pre-season game. I had a plan to make some substitutions, but because the match intensity was so high, I could not bring in the players I had planned.

Despite it being a pre-season tournament, Tavares expressed surprise at the match's high intensity. "This is a very intense match for a pre-season game," he commented, noting that the pace prevented him from implementing his planned player substitutions. He also addressed the team's disciplinary issues, hoping for improvement after receiving several yellow cards, including one for defender Yuran Fernandes.

Defender Risto Mitrevski echoed Tavares' sentiments, calling the win a valuable asset for the team as they continue their preparations. "We only started training about three weeks ago. From here we have to keep improving and become a stronger team," Mitrevski said, emphasizing the team's ability to play cohesively and capitalize on transitions.

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We only started training about three weeks ago. From here we have to keep improving and become a stronger team.