Persib vs Arema: Bojan Hodak Stresses Match Won't Be Easy

Friday, 24 April 2026 | 09:00

Author: Arif S

Pelatih Persib Bandung Bojan Hodak.
Source: Antara/HO-Persib Bandung

Summary

1. Persib Bandung is set to play against Arema FC in Week 29 of the BRI Super League at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium.

2. Persib's coach Bojan Hodak anticipates a challenging match due to Arema FC's solid team quality and dangerous attacking capabilities.

3. Persib must secure a victory to maintain their top position in the league standings amid pressure from Borneo FC in the remaining season.

Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak emphasized his team is in peak condition ahead of facing Arema FC in week 29 of the BRI Super League 2025/2026. However, he acknowledged the duel against Arema won't be easy.

Persib will host Arema at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, Bandung City, Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM WIB.

According to the Croatian coach, the visiting team has a quality squad composition and is highly dangerous in attack.

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"Tomorrow will be a tough match. Arema is a strong team because they have good players who perform well. They're very dangerous when attacking," stated Hodak.

Hodak's remarks highlight Persib's high alertness. In the competition's final phase, every match carries significance, especially for Maung Bandung who are guarding their position at the top of the temporary Standings.

Still, Hodak remains confident as his team will play before their home crowd. Support from Bobotoh fans is believed to be a decisive factor in this high-pressure match.

"We're playing at home. I hope the stadium will be full. When we play in front of the Bobotoh, it always gives us an advantage," he said.

Beyond fan support, positive news comes from Persib's squad condition. Hodak confirmed all players are ready for selection with no injuries or suspension concerns, including in the Goalkeeper position.

"All players are ready to play, no injuries or suspensions. Including goalkeepers, everyone is ready," he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Persib Bandung manager Umuh Muchtar urged all players to maintain focus and championship mentality in the remaining six matches this season.

He stressed there's no room for dropping points if Persib wants to retain their top position.

"Six matches left, no losses. Win, win, win. That's the essence, and the team remains motivated," said Umuh.

Umuh also reminded Bojan Hodak's squad not to underestimate opponents, including mid-table Arema. He asserted every match is like a final for Persib now.

"Persib cannot slip up in crucial moments if they want to reclaim the championship title this season," he emphasized.

Currently, Persib Bandung still leads the temporary standings with 65 points. They hold a two-point advantage over closest rival Borneo FC, making victory over Arema FC an absolute necessity to maintain their championship path.

Quick Answer

Persib vs Arema Preview: Hodak Warns of Tough BRI Super League Match

Persib Bandung hosts Arema FC in BRI Super League Week 29 at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium. Coach Bojan Hodak expects a difficult match due to Arema's strong squad and attacking threat. Persib must win to maintain their top position against Borneo FC's challenge.

Persib hosts Arema FC at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on April 24
Coach Hodak warns of Arema's dangerous attacking quality
All Persib players fit with no injuries or suspensions
Victory crucial to maintain 65-point lead over Borneo FC
Manager Umuh Muchtar emphasizes treating every match as a final

Persib Bandung faces a critical challenge against Arema FC in Week 29 of the BRI Super League at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on April 24. Coach Bojan Hodak anticipates a tough match, citing Arema's formidable squad and attacking prowess as key threats. With Persib leading the standings by just two points over Borneo FC, securing victory is essential to maintain their championship pursuit.

Arema's Threatening Attack

Hodak emphasized Arema's dangerous capabilities, stating: "Tomorrow will be a tough match. Arema is a strong team because they have good players who perform well. They're very dangerous when attacking." This acknowledgement comes despite Persib entering the match with a fully fit squad, including all goalkeepers available without injuries or suspensions.

Home Advantage Under Pressure

The Croatian coach highlighted the importance of home support, expressing hope for a packed stadium: "We're playing at home. I hope the stadium will be full. When we play in front of the Bobotoh, it always gives us an advantage." Manager Umuh Muchtar reinforced the high stakes, urging players to maintain championship mentality in the season's final six matches. "No losses. Win, win, win," he stressed, adding that Persib cannot afford to underestimate any opponent.

With Persib holding 65 points in the temporary standings, three points against mid-table Arema could prove decisive in fending off Borneo FC's title challenge. The management has explicitly framed every remaining fixture as a must-win final to reclaim the championship.