Bojan Hodak reveals Persib's defensive issues ahead of Arema match

Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak said the team will field a full squad with no injuries or suspensions when hosting Arema FC at Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api on Friday. He highlighted individual errors from the previous draw against Dewa United as a key lesson. Hodak also welcomed back defender Patricio Matricardi to bolster the defense.

Persib Bandung is set to play at full strength when hosting Arema FC in week 29 of the Indonesia Super League 2025/2026 at Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api on Friday, April 24, 2026. "Everyone is fit, no suspensions, so 23 players will be available," Bojan Hodak said.

Hodak urged the team to avoid repeating mistakes from their 2-2 draw against Dewa United. "Defensively, we didn't play badly. The only problem was one or two individual errors that we must not repeat," he stated. He stressed focusing on defense as the foundation, noting the team became too open when attempting attractive play.

Good news came from the backline with Patricio Matricardi's return after a previous red card. He will partner Federico Barba. "Now Patricio is back. So we have an extra player in defense. And I'm sure they will play well," Hodak added.

Despite confidence, Hodak cautioned against Arema's attacking prowess. "Arema is a very strong team, especially in their attacks," he said. He hoped the GBLA stadium would be filled with Bobotoh supporters to provide extra energy for the team.

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News illustration depicting the 0-0 draw between Persib Bandung and Arema FC at GBLA Stadium, with dejected Persib players, celebrating Arema goalkeeper, and packed fan stands.
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Persib Bandung held to 0-0 draw by Arema FC at GBLA

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Persib Bandung failed to win against Arema FC at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on Friday, April 24, 2026, ending in a 0-0 draw. Coach Bojan Hodak highlighted Arema's defensive play and goalkeeper Lucas Frigeri's performance as key factors. The result leaves Persib's top position vulnerable to Borneo FC, trailing by just three points.

Persib Bandung holds a four-point lead over Borneo FC and six over Persija Jakarta in the Liga Super 2025/2026 standings with 58 points from 25 matches and nine remaining. Building on midfielder Thom Haye's recent comments on team confidence, coach and players emphasize focus ahead of the April 5 clash at Stadion Haji Agus Salim against relegation-battling Semen Padang FC.

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Persib Bandung defeated Semen Padang 2-0 in week 26 of the Super League 2025/2026 at Stadion Haji Agus Salim in Padang on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Ramon Tanque scored both goals, while coach Bojan Hodak admitted his team struggled in the first 30 minutes due to the hosts' pressure and hot, humid weather. The win gives Persib 61 points, maintaining their lead four points ahead of Borneo FC.

Persib Bandung announced that Bojan Hodak is leaving the head coach position after his contract ends. He will serve as shareholder group technical advisor.

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Persib Bandung could clinch the Super League 2025-2026 title at Persija Jakarta's home on week 32, May 10, 2026. Bojan Hodak's side leads the standings with 61 points from 26 matches, four ahead of Borneo FC. A win there would secure the championship if the gap holds.

Persija Jakarta defeated Persebaya Surabaya 3-0 in week 27 of the BRI Super League 2025/2026 at Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Saturday night, April 11, 2026. Goals from Eksel Runtukahu (two) and Allano Lima ended a three-game winless streak. The win narrowed Persija's gap to leader Persib Bandung to six points.

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