Persebaya Surabaya has officially appointed Bernardo Tavares as head coach for the Super League 2025/2026. The Portuguese coach previously led PSM Makassar to the Liga 1 title in 2022/2023. This announcement ends a transitional period following the departure of the previous coach.
Persebaya Surabaya officially announced via social media that Bernardo Tavares will serve as their new head coach for the Super League 2025/2026. The announcement came on December 23, 2025, with Tavares scheduled to arrive in Surabaya accompanied by an assistant. Club management stated, “Coach Bernardo Tavares is Green. He will arrive in Surabaya bringing an assistant. The entire current coaching team will continue to support Coach Tavares at Persebaya.”
Tavares's appointment follows Persebaya's parting with previous coach Eduardo Perez on November 22, 2025. During the transition, the team was handled by assistant coaches Uston Nawawi and Shin Sang Gyu. The club had previously confirmed a long-term agreement with a new coach but delayed the official reveal until legal processes were completed. Names like Shin Tae-yong were rumored for the role.
Tavares, holding a UEFA Pro license, left PSM Makassar on October 1, 2025, after joining in 2022. He resigned due to delayed salary payments, despite leading PSM to the Liga 1 title in the 2022/2023 season. Prior to Indonesia, Tavares coached clubs in countries including Portugal, Oman, Maldives, Macau, India, and Finland. His extensive experience is expected to benefit Persebaya's squad, led by players like Rachmat Irianto.
