Persijap Stuck Without Points, Mario Lemos Uses FIFA Matchday Break to Bounce Back

Persijap Jepara have still not collected a single point after three weeks of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League. The 1-2 defeat to Persib Bandung at Stadion Gelora Bumi Kartini, Jepara, on Sunday (20/9/2026), was the latest blow for Laskar Kalinyamat, who now sit 16th in the provisional standings.

Coach Mario Lemos did not deny that his team's performance was far from expectations. Nevertheless, he stressed that every part of the team must move on quickly and use the competition break during the FIFA Matchday period for a thorough overhaul. "We have three weeks. This period must be maximized to prepare the team for the next match," said the Portuguese coach.

In the match against Persib, Lemos felt a draw would actually have been fairer. However, he still took full responsibility for the defeat. "There are no excuses. I remain responsible and we must keep moving forward," he said. He also recalled that last season, when he returned to coach Persijap in the second round, his first match against Persebaya Surabaya ended in a 3-1 win. He hopes that momentum can be repeated.

"What we want in Jepara is simply to be a team that is hard to beat. We have to give everything, and that is what I want from the players." — Mario Lemos

Lemos stressed the importance of restoring the fighting mentality that was Persijap's hallmark last season. According to him, talent is not something everyone has, but hard work, the willingness to run, and to jump can be done by anyone. "The intensity and determination have been there since last season. That is what we must maintain," he added.

Persijap are currently only ahead of Java United and Isenmulang FC, who were both hit with point deductions at the start of the season. With the competition only three weeks old, their position is not yet fully dire, but the pressure to secure a win soon is mounting. The FIFA Matchday break is a golden opportunity for Lemos to fix the players' tactics, physical condition, and psychology before facing Bali United on 10 October.

If the negative trend continues, the Persijap management could face pressure from supporters and stakeholders. Conversely, a win over Bali United could be a turning point to escape an early relegation zone. The people of Jepara certainly hope Lemos can repeat the success of his first arrival. The question is, can Persijap rise, or will they sink even deeper?