Persebaya Wary of Confident PSS, Tavares: Records Do Not Guarantee a Win
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- Persebaya Surabaya akan menjamu PSS Sleman di Stadion Gelora Bung Tomo pada pekan kelima BRI Super League 2026/2027, Minggu (18/10/2026).
- Pelatih Bernardo Tavares menegaskan tiga poin menjadi target mutlak meski sejumlah pemain kunci belum pulih sepenuhnya.
- Dukungan sekitar 30 ribu suporter diharapkan menjadi energi tambahan bagi Bajul Ijo untuk menjaga momentum di kandang.
Persebaya Surabaya face a real test in the fifth week of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League. Hosting PSS Sleman at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT) on Sunday (18/10/2026), Bajul Ijo are required to prove that their home record is not merely an empty note on paper.
PSS arrive with valuable capital: a 3-0 win over PSM Makassar last week. It was Super Elang Jawa's first victory of the season, and the effect was immediately felt in the confidence of the squad under their new coach. For Persebaya, this match is not only about three points, but about maintaining dominance in front of their own supporters.
Persebaya coach Bernardo Tavares is fully aware of the threat. He believes PSS will play without burden after breaking their winless run. However, Tavares stressed that his team also has an equally big ambition to get the maximum result at GBT.
"PSS Sleman come with high confidence after beating PSM Makassar 3-0 at home. They certainly want to win, and so do we. I hope tomorrow's match is interesting and that Bonek-Bonita come to give support to the players. Our hope is that three points can still be secured at home," said Tavares on Saturday (17/10/2026).
Historically, Persebaya do have an impressive record when hosting PSS at GBT. Since 2022, Bajul Ijo have never lost to Super Elja at home. However, Tavares is reluctant to be lulled by statistics. He reminded his players that history will not help them win the match if their performance on the pitch does not go to plan.
"Indeed, looking at the record of recent home meetings, we have had fairly good results. However, history will not help us win tomorrow's match. We have to prove it on the pitch," stressed the 46-year-old coach.
The challenge for Persebaya does not only come from the opponent. The team's internal condition is not yet fully ideal. Three key players—Matheus Lagoa, Alfan Suaib, and Francisco Rivera—are still undergoing recovery. This situation forces the coaching staff to think hard in determining the player composition.
Tavares demands that all available players be ready to take on a bigger role. He hopes that cohesion and tactical discipline remain intact even though the team is not reinforced by all players in their best condition.
"We have to be ready to face situations like this and maximize the available players," he explained.
Beyond technical preparation, the supporter factor is an element that cannot be ignored. Tavares hopes the GBT stands will be filled with Bonek and Bonita. According to him, direct support from the supporters can be additional energy for the players throughout the match.
"I also hope that around 30 thousand supporters who come tomorrow can give full support. The presence of Bonek-Bonita can create an extraordinary atmosphere and give additional energy to the players," Tavares concluded.
For Persebaya, a win over PSS is not merely about adding to their points collection. Amid increasingly tight Super League competition, maintaining momentum is non-negotiable. However, that target demands hard work, concentration, and discipline from the first minute to the final whistle.
The duel at GBT will be a test of Bajul Ijo's mentality. Can they prove that the support of Bonek and Bonita and the team's preparation can deliver the maximum result? The answer will be seen on the pitch.
