East Java Derby: Persebaya vs Arema FC, A Battle of Self-Esteem and Mental Resilience

The heated atmosphere of the East Java Derby returns. Two eternal rivals, Persebaya Surabaya and Arema FC, are set to clash at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT) on Saturday, November 22, 2025. More than just a three-point match, this duel becomes a proving ground for two coaches, Eduardo Perez and Marcos Santos, both currently under public scrutiny.

Arema FC coach, Marcos Santos, stated that his team is fully focused on improving their physical condition before facing the heated match in Surabaya.

“Because many players are not 100 percent, I am trying to restore the players' stamina,” said Marcos in Malang, East Java, Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

According to him, a prestigious duel like the East Java Derby always demands maximum readiness, especially due to the immense pressure from thousands of opposing supporters at the stadium. 

Therefore, fitness and mentality are the two main focuses in preparing the Singo Edan (Mad Lions) squad.

“We will prepare everything and bring home points from there,” Marcos emphasized.

Arema is currently in ninth place in the provisional 2025/2026 BRI Super League standings, with 15 points from 11 matches, resulting from four wins, three draws, and four losses. 

A win in Surabaya is an important target to erase the disappointment from the previous home defeat against Persija Jakarta.

Besides physical preparation, Marcos is also providing psychological encouragement to boost the confidence of Ahmad Alfarizie and his teammates. 

He believes the spirit of the Arek Malang (Malang youths) will be the main fuel to face the pressure at Gelora Bung Tomo.

Eduardo Perez Remains Calm Amid Criticism

Meanwhile, in the opposing camp, Persebaya Surabaya coach, Eduardo Perez, chooses to remain calm despite his team receiving sharp criticism from supporters after several subpar results.

“When you work in the football world, you have to be ready for everything. So, I respect all opinions. I am very strong now. I am at a moment where I am stronger than ever,” said Perez.

Persebaya was just held to a 1-1 draw by Persik Kediri in week 12. However, the Spanish coach asserted that he remains unshaken and maintains full confidence in his players.

“I believe in all the players at the club. We work very hard every day. I respect all opinions, but I have to focus on my job,” said Perez.

With 15 points from 10 matches, Bajul Ijo (The Green Crocodile) is in eighth place, just one spot above Arema FC. 

The statistics of both teams are almost identical, differing only in the number of goals conceded. This means the upcoming match is not just a derby, but also a decisive game to determine who deserves to stay in the middle of the table or aim for the top four.

“In my job, every day I give my best for this club. And I tell you, if you are not ready to hear things like this, you better not work in the football world. But I am stronger than ever,” Perez stressed.(Antara)