Persib Utilizes the 2026 President's Cup to Form the Best Team for the Upcoming New Season

Persib Bandung views the 2026 President's Cup as far more than just a standard pre-season tournament. For head coach Igor Tolic, this competition represents an opportunity for Maung Bandung players to prove their quality while fighting for a spot in the first team squad, ahead of the congested 2026/2027 competitive season calendar.

Persib will face Arema FC for their opening Group A fixture at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. Following this match, Maung Bandung are also scheduled to meet DPMM FC (Brunei Darussalam) and Tampines Rovers FC (Singapore).

Tolic confirmed that every match Persib competes in holds serious weight, including pre-season tournament games. The Croatian head coach stated that wearing the Persib uniform carries a mandatory responsibility to perform at full capability in every single fixture.

“From the second you step onto the pitch wearing the Persib jersey, that match becomes important. We will be running these pre-season games and rotating a number of players, but that does not reduce the importance of every fixture we play,” Tolic stated in his official press remarks.

The Croatian coach emphasised that the President's Cup serves as a chance for all squad members to showcase their highest ability, while also building working on-field chemistry between players before the official domestic season commences.

That said, the coaching team will not only judge players during live matches. Tolic stressed that every single training session also forms a critical component when deciding which players will be granted playing time.

“Every player must prepare properly for matches and prove themselves to the coaching staff. We will be observing from the sidelines to determine who is in peak physical and tactical condition to take the field,” he added.

Competition within the Persib squad is confirmed to be extremely tight. Tolic explicitly stated that no player holds an automatic, guaranteed spot in the starting eleven.

“We have a full roster of capable players. Any member of this squad can be selected to play at any time. But every single one of them will have to earn their minutes on the pitch. With this much quality available, every player must work their hardest during both training sessions and matches,” he confirmed firmly.

According to Tolic, this atmosphere of healthy internal competition will act as a key asset to raise the overall performance standard of the entire team.

With strong quality depth across every position, he expressed confidence that Persib will build a solid competitive foundation through their 2026 President's Cup campaign.