Persib Bandung is currently grappling with significant mental challenges among its players ahead of the crucial second leg against Ratchaburi FC in the AFC Champions League Two. This pressing issue was directly revealed by head coach Bojan Hodak, highlighting a critical area of concern for the Indonesian football giants.
The highly anticipated second-leg match of the ACL Two Round of 16 will see Persib face Ratchaburi once more at the Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api on Wednesday, February 17th, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 WIB. The fixture carries immense pressure, particularly as Persib enters with a daunting 0-3 deficit from the first leg, a result that continues to cast a shadow over the team.
Bojan Hodak explicitly stated that the lingering impact of their opening leg defeat is still palpable within the squad, affecting the players’ mental state. “Physically, the players are in good shape, but our mentality is lacking,” Hodak explained, as quoted from Persib’s official website. He further added a philosophical perspective, noting, “Sometimes, a defeat is necessary, and a poor match can happen. We need to focus on the next game, and [in the first leg], we were a bit unlucky.” The ‘Maung Bandung‘ squad’s mental resilience will undoubtedly be tested in the upcoming encounter.
Despite these acknowledged mental hurdles, the Croatian coach maintains a strong sense of optimism in his players. Bojan Hodak remains confident that the ‘Maung Bandung‘ faithful can expect a surprise performance on the field. His belief underscores a determination to overcome the significant challenge presented by their Thai opponents.
“Now we are focusing on the next match and always believe we can achieve something,” Hodak affirmed. Reflecting on the first leg, he remarked, “Previously, we lost but played better in the first half. Then, in the second half, we created chances but couldn’t find the back of the net.” This analysis suggests that while the scoreline was disappointing, there were moments of promise that the team aims to build upon for a potential comeback in the AFC Champions League Two.