PSM Thrashed 0-3 by PSS, Kalezic Admits Juku Eja Lost Their Aggression

PSM Makassar returned from Sleman empty-handed after being silenced 0-3 by hosts PSS in the fourth week of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League at Maguwoharjo Stadium on Sunday (11/10/2026) afternoon WIB. The defeat was Juku Eja's second of the season and left them 15th in the provisional standings with just two points from four matches.

PSS's three winning goals came from Hiromu Tanaka in the 34th and 85th minutes, and Matheus Fornazari in the 90+2nd minute. For Super Elang Jawa, the result ended a three-match losing streak before hosting PSM. PSM, meanwhile, failed to seize the momentum to take full points away from home.

PSM coach Darije Kalezic admitted his team performed far below expectations. He had even warned his players about PSS's potential aggression as the hosts sought their first win. "Before the match we knew Sleman had played three times and lost all three. That meant Sleman would play with huge motivation, working very hard to get their first win after four matches," Kalezic said after the game.

But that warning could not be translated onto the pitch. Kalezic felt his side lost the key duels and too often gave the ball away cheaply. "To win duels, to run with the opponent and show them that we are a tough opponent. I think we did not achieve that, we also had problems in possession, we often lost the ball too easily," said the Bosnian coach.

Disappointment was also felt by PSM midfielder Dusan Lagator. He said his team had prepared thoroughly but failed to show the aggression that was key to the match. "It is hard to speak after a defeat. Did we expect a difficult match today? Everything, but we trained, we prepared for this match. But today on the pitch we did not show it," Lagator said.

According to him, PSM must bounce back immediately and start collecting points in their next match. "We lost and were not aggressive as we had trained. In the end we are very disappointed. However, in the next match we will try to give our best and start taking points, to win it," he stressed.

The defeat extends PSM's poor start to the season. From four matches, they have taken just two points and have yet to show the consistency expected of them. Fifteenth place is a warning sign for a team that competed at the top last season. If not fixed soon, the gap to the safe zone could widen in the coming weeks.

On the other side, the win was a breath of fresh air for PSS Sleman, who had been struggling. Three straight defeats had brought psychological pressure on the squad under their coach. The win over PSM not only broke the negative trend but also gave them confidence that they can compete throughout the season.

For PSM, the next match will be a test of mentality and tactics. Kalezic is demanded to quickly find a formula to restore aggression and composure in possession. Support from their own fans can be a driving factor, but without significant improvement, their position at the bottom will become harder to escape.

The question is, can PSM bounce back before the crisis of confidence spreads through the whole team? Or will this poor start cast a long shadow over the entire season?