New Era for Persebaya Begins, Bernardo Tavares New Coach of The Green Crocodiles with Championship-Winning Track Record in Indonesian League

Persebaya Surabaya has officially turned a new page ahead of the 2025/2026 Super League by appointing Bernardo Tavares as head coach for Rachmat Irianto and his teammates. This decision marks a new chapter in the Green Crocodile's ambition to compete at the top of Indonesian Football, bringing in a figure proven in Liga 1.

The announcement of the Portuguese coach's arrival was delivered directly through the club's official social media and Tavares' own account. In the video post, Persebaya emphasized that the coaching transition will proceed smoothly with the support of the existing structure.

"Coach Bernardo Tavares is Green. He will arrive in Surabaya bringing an assistant. The entire current coaching staff will also continue to support Coach Tavares at Persebaya," stated the video post.

This certainty ends the prolonged speculation after Persebaya officially parted ways with Eduardo Perez on November 22. At that time, club management stated they had reached a long-term agreement with a coach but chose to withhold the name announcement to professionally complete all legal processes.

During the transition period, Persebaya was handled by two assistant coaches left by Perez, Uston Nawawi and Shin Sang Gyu. Simultaneously, rumors about the new coach continued to circulate. Bernardo Tavares' name strongly emerged in public discussions, alongside former Indonesian National Team Coach Shin Tae Yong, before Persebaya finally made their choice.

Bernardo is no stranger to the national football scene. He left PSM Makassar on October 1, ending their association since 2022 after guiding PSM to the Liga 1 championship podium in the 2022/2023 season, an achievement by a coach with a strong character and high discipline.

Equipped with a UEFA Pro license, Bernardo brings cross-country experience before making his mark in Indonesia. His coaching career was forged in various competitions, from Portugal, Oman, Maldives, Macau, India, to Finland.

This background becomes an added value for Persebaya, who are currently seeking stability and a consistent playing identity.

Now, with the official joining of Bernardo Tavares, Persebaya Surabaya looks towards the 2025/2026 Super League with great hope. A new era has begun in Surabaya, and public expectations accompany the Green Crocodile's steps with a coach who has tasted the sweetness of the Liga 1 championship title.