Persib coach Igor Tolic believes the 2026 President's Cup is not just a pre-season tournament, but rather a platform for strengthening the team for the 2026/2027 season.
"From the moment I stepped onto the pitch in the Persib jersey, the match became important. We'll be playing preseason and playing a number of players. That still makes it a crucial match," Tolic said in a statement received.
According to the Croatian coach, the President's Cup is a momentum for the players to demonstrate their quality and build cohesiveness before facing a longer series of competitions.
Tolic said that player assessments are not only carried out during matches, but also through each training session the team undergoes.
"The players need to prepare for the match and show themselves to the coaches. Those of us on the sidelines will determine who is in the best condition to play," he said.
He emphasized that no player is automatically guaranteed a place in the first team. All players have an equal opportunity and must prove themselves through hard work, discipline, and the quality they display daily.
"We have a great group of players. Anyone in the squad can play at any time. However, they have to fight for their playing time. Because we have so many quality players, everyone has to work hard in training and matches," he stressed.
According to Tolic, healthy competition within the squad will have a positive impact on improving the overall quality of Persib's game.
With a competitive lineup across all positions, he is optimistic that the 2026 President's Cup will provide a crucial foundation for Persib in facing four competitions in the 2026/2027 season.
