PSS Sleman Learn Key Lessons in Loss to Persebaya

SURABAYA — PSS Sleman may have suffered a 0–1 loss to Persebaya Surabaya in a recent friendly, but the Liga 2 side gained valuable experience and tactical insight as they continue preparations for the 2025/26 season.

The match, held at Gelora Bung Tomo (GBT) Stadium on Saturday (19/7), was part of Persebaya’s Team Launching Games and served as a major test for PSS ahead of their Liga 2 campaign.

Despite the narrow defeat, PSS assistant coach Ansari Lubis emphasized the positives from his team’s performance.

“Even though we lost, the players showed encouraging chemistry and a strong work ethic,” said Ansari at the post-match press conference.
“This was an important opportunity for both the players and the coaching staff to grow.”

Tactical takeaways

Ansari noted that the team struggled to handle Persebaya’s quick counterattacks and failed to commit tactical fouls in midfield to break up play — areas the coaching staff plans to address.

“We weren’t sharp in anticipating counterattacks. Also, some fouls that should’ve been made to stop transitions didn’t happen — that’s a small but important tactical point we’ll evaluate,” he added.

The match also revealed moments of individual promise and improved team coordination, with Garuda Muda continuing to build chemistry ahead of the Liga 2 kickoff.

“Hopefully, the myth works for us too”

Ansari also referenced a long-standing “myth” in Indonesian football: that Liga 2 teams who face Persebaya in friendlies often go on to earn promotion to Liga 1.

“Hopefully, this myth works in our favor too. It would be great if PSS could return to Liga 1 this season,” he said with a smile.

Momentum building among players

Veteran defender Jajang Mulyana viewed the match as a valuable test, praising Persebaya’s quality while remaining optimistic about PSS’s future.

“It was a great trial match for us. Playing against a Liga 1 team gave us the right kind of challenge. We’ll learn from it, improve, and hopefully earn our way back to Liga 1,” Jajang said.

Looking ahead

With the 2025/26 Liga 2 season fast approaching, PSS Sleman are using every opportunity — even defeats — to sharpen their tactical awareness and team cohesion. The focus now shifts to final evaluations and improvements as the club aims to mount a serious promotion push.