The curtain on the BRI Liga 1 2021/2022 competition will finally be opened. The inaugural match is Bali United against Persik Kediri at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Friday (27/8/2021).
The Bali United vs Persik Kediri match will kick-off at 19:00 WIB, live on Indosiar and Vidio.
They are champions in their respective castes in 2019. Persik are champions of Liga 2 2019, while Bali United are champions of Liga 1 for the first time since the club was formed in 2015.
Bali United need to be vigilant. Because, there is a bad record of the defending champions of Liga 1 every time they start their first game. Since the last three seasons, no defending champion has won the first week.
In Liga 1 2018, Bhayangkara FC as the defending champion was matched by Persija Jakarta with a score of 0-0.
In Liga 1 2019, it was Persija's turn as the defending champion, with Teco as the coach, forced to share points with Barito Putera with 1-1.
The curse of the defending champion in the first party repeated itself in the 2020 season. At that time, Bali United were matched by Persita Tangerang 0-0.
During an online press conference on Thursday (26/8/2021), Bali United coach, Stefano Cugurra Teco is well aware that the defending champions are difficult to win in the first match.
"Hopefully it will be a different situation because the players in the team have high spirits. What is clear is that we have to respect our opponents because they have quality. Hopefully Bali United can play well and win the game," he said.
Regarding Persik, the Brazilian passport coach does not want to be underestimated. Excessive self-confidence can backfire for this team called Serdadu Tridatu.
"Persik is a traditional team in Indonesia. They have won League 2. Bali United must respect them," added Teco.
"Persik has many good players. There are also new players. We focus first on our team before the game and don't want to focus on the opposing team first. We have to concentrate fully on the match later," explained Teco.
Confident Peach
Just like Bali United, Persik are also enthusiastic about opening BRI Liga 1. However, the team nicknamed the White Tiger did not set grandiose targets.
"With the start of the competition, this makes us quite happy. Regarding the preparation, we are aware that in a situation like this it will certainly make it difficult for us," said Persik coach, Joko Susilo.
"However, for us it doesn't matter because this happens to all teams. What's important is our spirit to rebuild the competition and rebuild football," added the architect who is familiarly called Gethuk.
Gethuk is confident that Persik can take on the Bali United match. The chances of both teams to win the match are equally great.
However, Persik's squad was limping to face Bali United. The White Tigers lost six of their players who are still struggling with injuries, namely Andri Ibo, Yusuf Meilana, Dionatan Machado, M. Ridwan, Bagas Satrio, and Misbakhul Akmal.
"We play, of course the target is to take points. For me, the chances for both teams are 50-50. But for outsiders, it must be aware. Many are supporting Bali United. That's natural. But we have passion and determination and confidence and we have enough spirit good," added Gethuk.
Estimated Lineups and Predictions
Bali United (4-2-1-3): Wawan Hendrawan; Gavin Kwan Adsit, Leonard Tupamahu, Willian Pacheco, Ricky Fajrin; Rizky Pellu, Brwa Nouri; Stefano Lilipaly; Melvin Platje, Ilija Spasojevic, M. Rahmat
Coach: Stefano Cugurra Teco.
Persik Kediri (4-3-3): Diki Yusron; Ibrahim Sanjaya, O.K. John, Arthur Silva, Dany Saputra; Ahmad Agung, Andi Eko, Faris Aditama; Septian Bagaskara, Youssef Ezzejjari, Ibrahim Bahsoun
Coach: Joko Susilo.