PSIM Yogyakarta prepares to host PSBS Biak in a postponed BRI Super League 2025/26 match at Stadion Sultan Agung, Bantul, on Monday afternoon, December 29, 2025. Coach Jean-Paul Van Gastel urges his team not to underestimate the opponents, who gain fresh energy from a new coach. Midfielder Rendra Teddy affirms the team's 100% readiness to secure a year-ending victory.
PSIM Yogyakarta will host PSBS Biak in the postponed week 8 match of the BRI Super League 2025/26 at Stadion Sultan Agung, Bantul, on Monday afternoon, December 29, 2025. The game offers Laskar Mataram a chance to rebound after two winless outings: a 1-1 draw against Persijap Jepara and a 0-2 loss to Persija Jakarta. Currently, PSIM sits fifth in the temporary standings with 23 points from 14 matches.
Head coach Jean-Paul Van Gastel stresses that the advanced schedule by one day does not impact team readiness. "Itu tidak begitu penting karena bermain lebih cepat satu hari di antara pertandingan-pertandingan ini tidak relevan. Tidak ada pengaruhnya sama sekali," said the 53-year-old Dutch coach. He acknowledges the latest performance as one of the season's worst, particularly in set-piece anticipation. Yet, Van Gastel urges players to remain realistic and proud as a promoted team competing at the top. "Kami harus bangga bahwa kami untuk saat ini berada di urutan kelima di klasemen. Jadi kami harus rendah hati dan mempertahankan apa yang kami lakukan," he stated.
Facing PSBS Biak, Van Gastel cautions against the opponents' physical strength and the boost from a new coach bringing fresh energy. "Saya pikir mereka secara fisik sangat kuat. Mereka punya pelatih baru sekarang. Jadi, ada energi baru," he explained. Meanwhile, midfielder Rendra Teddy affirms the team's full preparation. "Persiapan kami dalam latihan sangat baik dan sudah siap 100 persen. Semoga di laga akhir tahun ini, kami bisa meraih hasil positif yaitu tiga poin," said Rendra, who, despite limited playing time—only three full matches out of 14—stays motivated to contribute. A win over PSBS is seen as essential to maintain position and end the year sweetly before home fans.
