Persib Goalkeeper Not Obsessed with Clean Sheet Record, Championship Title Main Priority

Amid the spotlight on his impressive performance this season, Teja Paku Alam instead chose to temper the euphoria. The main Goalkeeper of Persib Bandung emphasized he isn't overly fixated on matching Yoo Jae-hoon's clean sheet record.

Teja has collected 16 clean sheets, just one short of the legendary Persipura Jayapura goalkeeper's 2013 tally. Yet for Teja, that milestone isn't the primary objective during this critical competition phase.

“What matters now is securing victories first," stated the number 14 goalkeeper, quoted from Persib's official website on Tuesday.

This statement felt relevant given Persib's latest match. Hosting Bali United at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, Maung Bandung labored hard before clinching a 3-2 win. 

The result did feature less-than-ideal statistics. For the first time this season, Persib conceded two goals at home.

Nevertheless, the victory remained the bottom line. Notably, across 14 home matches, Persib registered 12 clean sheets – statistics underscoring the defensive consistency of Bojan Hodak's tactical setup.

In the title race, every point carries crucial weight. Persib leads the Standings with 64 points, maintaining distance from pursuing challengers Borneo FC and Persija Jakarta. This situation has shifted the team's focus entirely toward the final season outcome.

“What matters is delivering the hattrick [three consecutive titles] first," Teja asserted.

Before nearing Yoo's record, Teja surpassed Andritany Ardhiyasa's achievement of 15 clean sheets in the 2022/2023 season. That milestone came when Persib defeated Semen Padang 2-0 in early April.

With seven matches remaining, including three home games, the opportunity to make history remains open. Yet for Teja, records are merely supplementary narratives.