Dewa United Maintains Player Composition When Facing Persebaya

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA — Dewa United has no plans to change the composition of players to face Persebaya Surabaya in the 31st week of BRI Liga 1 at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Tuesday (16/4/2024). Because in several matches Dewa United still recorded positive results.

“If we already have a team that wins, we won’t change much. But it’s not completely the same and we also have to adapt in every match,” said Dewa United coach Jan Olde Riekerink during a press conference at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, Monday (15/4 /2024).

However, the Dutch coach assesses that the team’s strength is not only in its players but also in how it can exploit the opponent’s weaknesses.

Even so, he will not underestimate Persebaya even though Dewa United’s position in the league standings is currently superior.

“Persebaya is a good team, has many quality players, is very structured and this will be a difficult match for us,” said the coach who was born in February 1963.

Apart from that, Persebaya also has strength in terms of attack which is built up by three Brazilian players on the front lines, namely Bruno Moreira, Paulo Henrique and Robson Duarte.

“Persebaya’s central defenders are also good, only minus Ernando being left behind to defend the Indonesian U-23 national team. However, overall Persebaya is good and structured, especially with the three players from Brazil, this is Persebaya’s strength,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dewa United goalkeeper Sonny Stevens feels that his team is more confident in facing Persebaya because they have a good record from previous matches.

“The players seem to be enjoying themselves and are confident during training, of course this is worth maintaining in order to face Persebaya tomorrow,” said the goalkeeper who scored against PSIS Semarang in the 25th week of the Indonesian League 1.

Sonny also agrees with coach Jan Olde Riekerink, that it will not be easy to play against Persebaya because they are also one of the strong teams in the Indonesian League 1.

“Persebaya is a good and well-organized team, it is a difficult match but we will provide an interesting game to continue advancing to the top four,” said the goalkeeper who is 194 centimeters tall.

source: Antara