Coaches Mauricio & Van Gastel Reveal Truths! After Persija Defeats PSIM
Source: Antara/Rauf Adipati
Persija Jakarta celebrated their 97th anniversary with a 2-0 victory over PSIM Yogyakarta, extending their six-match winning streak in the 2025/2026 BRI Super League. After the final whistle blew at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Friday night, the two coaches offered contrasting perspectives on the match.
Mauricio Souza emphasized that this win was built on focus.
"Tonight we consistently pursued goals, pressed the opponents, and they (PSIM) had no room to maneuver. Once again, when Persija stays focused during matches, we're incredibly strong," Mauricio stated.
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Persija failed to secure full points at home, Borneo FC forced a draw in injury time.
Despite dominating, Persija had to wait until the 78th minute to break the deadlock through Maxwell's goal, before Allano secured the win in stoppage time. Mauricio didn't mind the lengthy process.
"We have 90 minutes to score and avoid conceding. Even if we'd only scored in the 98th minute, I'd have been satisfied," he said.
He also defended Allano De Souza, who often gets labeled "emotional."
"You wouldn't stay emotionally stable if constantly pressured. I disagree with calling him emotional. He fought hard to win," Mauricio added.
Meanwhile, PSIM coach Jean-Paul van Gastel took a more reflective approach. Despite the loss, he deemed the result entirely deserved.
"Persija deserved to win, but we didn't play poorly. We lost many balls in the first half while they pressed us intensely," Van Gastel noted.
He appreciated his team's consistent performance near the top of the table.
"Over 13 matches, we've battled for points. Nobody expected us to be this high in the standings," he added.
PSIM also fielded third-choice goalkeeper Khairul Fikri, who debuted before tens of thousands of supporters at GBK.
"I'm very satisfied with Fikri's performance. Making his debut away against Persija in this atmosphere is remarkable," Van Gastel concluded.
This win solidifies Persija's second-place position with 29 points from 13 matches. The team will rest before facing Semen Padang on December 22, 2025. (Antara)
