Persebaya Surabaya is targeting three points when it hosts Arema FC in the Super League match week 13 at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium on Saturday (22/11).Persebaya coach Eduardo Perez emphasized that intensive preparation over the past two weeks is the basis for the team's optimism ahead of the match.
"We know the importance of this match and we've worked very hard to be ready for tomorrow's match," said Coach Edu, as he is familiarly known, at a press conference in Surabaya on Friday.
According to him, Bajol Ijo has undergone a training program that focuses on improving all phases of the game, from defensive organization and transitions to the effectiveness of finishing.
An in-depth evaluation of previous matches was also carried out to determine the root of the problem, especially the accuracy of crossing passes which was deemed less than optimal.
Coach Edu said that Persebaya and Arema's long-standing rivalry adds pressure, but will not divert the team's focus.
He emphasized the importance of being astute in reading the opponent's game, who had been unbeaten in their last few away matches.
"What's most important is the team as a whole, not individual names. You'll see the lineup tomorrow," he said.