Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak believes the match against Lion City Sailors in the first match of Group G AFC Champions League (ACL) II at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium, will not be easy.
"Lion City Sailors were runners-up in ACL II last season and are the favorites in this group. I see their strengths are better than last season. So, of course, this will be a tough match," Hodak said at a press conference in Bandung on Wednesday.
However, he emphasized that playing at home would provide additional motivation for Persib to achieve a positive result.
"Playing at home is encouraging, but it won't be easy," he said.
Last season, Persib recorded a 1-1 draw at home against Lion City Sailors, then won 3-2 away in Singapore. Hodak hopes that positive trend can be repeated.
"We're constantly improving from match to match. The new players are starting to understand each other and gel together. It'll be a tough match, but we hope to get a positive result," he said.
