Oxford United coach disappointed with pitch conditions at President’s Cup 2025

Gary Rowett, Oxford United’s coach, shared critical feedback following his team’s participation in the 2025 President’s Cup — a tournament that ended with a 1-2 defeat to Port FC yesterday.

The English second-division club completed three matches in Indonesia — facing Indonesia All Star, Arema FC, and Port FC in what was an unusual preseason tour for them.

“If I’m being honest, I’m disappointed with how we played. But tell me how you play football on a pitch like that,” Rowett told Oxford Mail.

The U’s manager’s main criticism focused on the pitch conditions at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung — a factor he believes significantly impacted the team’s performance.