Guntur Cahyo Utomo Speaks on New Role at PSIM After Risto Vidakovic Arrives

PSIM Yogyakarta assistant coach Guntur Cahyo Utomo has reaffirmed his commitment to keep contributing within Laskar Mataram's coaching structure following the appointment of Risto Vidakovic as the new head coach. The man who briefly served as caretaker in the last three matches sees this leadership transition as an opportunity to strengthen the team's foundation, not a contest for position.

Guntur made that clear amid internal club dynamics that had recently heated up. PSIM has just ended a long winless drought, and the arrival of the experienced Serbian coach is expected to lift the performance of a team still stuck near the bottom of the provisional BRI Super League 2026/2027 standings.

According to Guntur, he and Risto held intensive communication before the new coach officially led a training session. Discussions took place across several meetings, including daytime and nighttime talks, to review the team's condition in full. "I gave him a pleasant inheritance, so I made his job a little easier," Guntur said with a laugh, as quoted by Bola.com.

That inheritance was none other than PSIM's first win of the season in the competition. Laskar Mataram beat Borneo FC 2-1 at Stadion Sultan Agung, Bantul, on 1 November 2026. The result ended a run of seven matches without a win that had put the team under heavy psychological pressure.

Guntur acknowledged that external and internal pressure over the past two weeks had been immense. He understood the emotional turmoil of supporters and Yogyakarta residents hungry for success. "I was only trying to stabilize the team while conditions were shaky. I looked for solutions to the imbalance and disharmony, and again, I was not the actor—the players were," he explained.

The former PSS Sleman Academy Director stressed that the players' determination and commitment were the main factors behind the positive result. He said he did not dwell much on what had happened before and chose to focus on the current momentum. "What is clear now is the momentum for us to work even harder, because it turns out we are capable," he added.

On his position in the team, Guntur stressed he had no issue with who would lead from the touchline. For him, teamwork matters far more than individual status. "Head coach, assistant, players, administrative staff, logistics staff—we want to work together. So whether I am in front or not, I think that is no longer an important issue," he said.

"With his capacity and experience in Southeast Asia, the advice he gives is also very important to me. I hope going forward we will be much stronger." — Guntur Cahyo Utomo

Risto Vidakovic's arrival has brought fresh air to PSIM. The Serbian coach is known for his experience in Southeast Asia, so he is expected to read opponents' playing styles quickly. Guntur himself welcomed input from the head coach and hopes the synergy built can boost the team's performance for the rest of the season.

For PSIM, stability in the coaching ranks is crucial given the team's still-precarious position in the standings. With five points from the matches played so far, Laskar Mataram needs consistency to move away from the red zone. Guntur's presence as a bridge between the new coach and the players is an asset in itself, especially in maintaining harmony in the dressing room.

Going forward, the biggest challenge is to sustain the positive trend and build a playing identity that fits Risto's character. The people of Yogyakarta will certainly hope the collaboration between Guntur and Risto produces solid chemistry, so PSIM can rise and compete in mid-table. Will this duo be the right combination, or will it instead create new dynamics within the team? Time will tell.