PSS Sleman Winless After Three Matches, Fachruddin Aryanto Calls for Improvements During League Break

PSS Sleman concluded the third week of the BRI Super League 2026/2027 without a single point, extending their poor start to the season after a 1-2 defeat to Dewa United at Banten International Stadium on Sunday (20/9/2026). This loss placed Super Elang Jawa in 15th position in the temporary standings, a position that does not yet reflect the team's ambition to compete at the top.

Veteran defender Fachruddin Aryanto did not deny that the result was far from expectations. According to him, preparations to face Dewa United had actually been maximized, including using the previous two matches as evaluation material. However, he admitted there were factors beyond their control that caused the team to lose momentum.

"We have been focused for the past week, but perhaps there was a slight loss of concentration, leading to a different outcome. This will be a valuable lesson," said Fachruddin, quoted from Bola.com.

Before losing to Dewa United, PSS also suffered defeats against two other 'United' teams: Bali United (1-2) and Madura United (1-3). These three consecutive losses signal danger for the team, whose coach has yet to find the best formula. Fachruddin emphasized that evaluations by the coaching staff have been conducted, but match dynamics often present unexpected situations that players must anticipate.

The competition break due to the FIFA Matchday schedule serves as a blessing in disguise for PSS to make improvements. Management decided to give a short two-day rest before the squad returns to training on Wednesday (23/9/2026). This decision indicates that the team does not want to waste time and will immediately focus on addressing weaknesses.

In the context of the BRI Super League competition, such a poor start can have long-term consequences. Points lost early in the season are often difficult to recover, especially if rival teams remain consistent. PSS is urged to bounce back quickly to avoid being stuck at the bottom and losing fan support. The match against PSM Makassar on October 11 will be a crucial test: whether the evaluation during the break can change their fate, or merely prolong the nightmare.

Fachruddin, who once played for the Indonesian National Team, asserted that players must be more sensitive to situations on the field. He hopes this break will be used to strengthen mental fortitude and tactics, so that the same mistakes are not repeated. "Unforeseen things can happen, and that must be a subject of introspection for us as players," he added.

With a relatively short preparation time, PSS Sleman must quickly find a balance between defense and attack. Three matches have shown that the backline is vulnerable to conceding goals, while goal productivity is also not optimal. The coach and staff will be challenged to devise a more solid strategy, perhaps by changing formations or giving opportunities to young players.

For the Indonesian football public, PSS's situation serves as a reminder that the domestic competition is becoming increasingly competitive. Promoted teams or less-favored teams are capable of delivering surprises. PSS, with its history and large fan base, must not wallow in despair. Support from management, players, and supporters will be crucial in determining the team's future direction.

If the evaluation proves effective, it is not impossible for PSS to return to winning ways and slowly climb the ranks. However, if the negative trend continues, pressure on the coach and management will intensify. Will this competition break be a turning point for Super Elang Jawa, or will it merely underscore the ongoing crisis?