Rancak Media – – The cherished memories of the East Java derby are once again surging through Robertino Pugliara’s mind ahead of this afternoon’s (November 22) fiery clash between Persebaya Surabaya and Arema FC. The former player, who now serves as the Football Director for Persebaya Academy, vividly recalls the electrifying atmosphere that twice resonated deep within him when he proudly wore the Green Force jersey.
Robertino Pugliara never forgot the immense pressure that enveloped him each time he stepped onto the pitch to face Singo Edan.
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“There was pressure, certainly pressure from the supporters because this is a monumental team, this is an El Clasico,” he reminisced about the high-stakes encounter. He profoundly felt how the unwavering support and fervent demands from the fans compelled every player to perform with an intensified spirit. According to Pugliara, it was precisely this pressure that ignited the team’s mental fortitude, pushing them to play more aggressively and refuse to concede. The euphoria surrounding the East Java derby consistently generates a powerful, indescribable drive for those who have yet to experience it firsthand.
“But players are undoubtedly energized by that,” Robertino stated, illustrating how the collective power of Bonek, Persebaya Surabaya’s loyal supporters, seamlessly flowed into every player.
His memories of the 2017/2018 season remain sharply etched in his mind, a period when he faced Arema FC twice. In their initial meeting in Surabaya, he played the full 90 minutes and celebrated a dominant 1-0 victory. However, the subsequent encounter in Malang brought a different narrative, with Persebaya Surabaya suffering a 0-1 defeat. Robertino, who featured for 25 minutes in that match, absorbed the loss with considerable difficulty, as his ambition for triumph in every derby was always unyielding.
He confessed that the singular thought of winning always dominated his mental landscape during every second of the game. “Even a draw was unacceptable for us; we absolutely wanted to win that match,” he declared.
The relentless determination to regain possession and score goals constantly revolved in his thoughts throughout the match. “On the field, I would definitively think, ‘Okay, I want to get the ball, come on, we have to score!’” Robertino recounted, echoing his fervent mindset during those intense derby clashes.
There was no room for compromise in such a monumental game; a defiant, unyielding mentality was deeply ingrained within him. “We have to win the match, there’s no other viable option; we absolutely do not want a draw, let alone a loss,” he asserted firmly.
Now, as an integral part of Persebaya Surabaya’s development structure, he channels that same fervent spirit to both the promising young talents and the seasoned senior squad. His firsthand experiences in the crucible of the East Java derby make his guidance and messages feel incredibly vivid and profoundly relevant for those who are preparing to step onto the pitch.
Meanwhile, Persebaya Surabaya’s team preparations for the BRI Super League Week 13 match are proceeding with elevated intensity. Two full weeks of rigorous training have been meticulously dedicated to perfecting crucial game details, ensuring the team is fully primed to withstand the immense pressure of the forthcoming derby.
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Coach Eduardo Perez explained that all players are undergoing preparations with a serious and highly focused demeanor. According to him, securing three points is the primary motivator, a potent energy source that has maintained an intense training rhythm since the beginning of the week.
One critical evaluation point he has been diligently addressing is set-piece situations.
“We are actively working to improve this situation; while some mistakes have occurred, we possess a clear understanding of the precise aspects we need to enhance,” stated the Spanish coach.
Eduardo aims for his team not only to strengthen its defensive line but also to thoroughly understand the intricate processes that precede the creation of opponent scoring opportunities. He believes that unwavering consistency in their sequence of actions is paramount to prevent the team from easily succumbing to pressure.
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For Eduardo, the East Java derby transcends a mere big match; it’s a pivotal moment capable of profoundly elevating the energy of every single player. He perceives the inherent pressure of rivalry itself as a potent fuel, driving the team to play with greater bravery and deliver their absolute maximum performance on the field.
While Arema FC arrives with an impressive record of five away matches without a loss this season, Persebaya Surabaya boasts a historically superior record, having remained unbeaten in their last five encounters against their fierce rivals, Singo Edan.
Eduardo continues to show full respect for an opponent he describes as consistently evolving and improving. Nevertheless, he expressed immense confidence in his own team’s significant and tangible progress.
“I have complete faith in our hard work, and I am confident that we will fight relentlessly to win these three crucial points,” he affirmed. He regards this particular derby as unequivocally one of the most vital matches of the entire season.
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The atmosphere for this evening’s fiery clash at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium is expected to be even more electrifying, fueled by the team’s multilayered motivation. The presence of influential figures like Robertino Pugliara provides an additional mental boost for the players, inspiring them to be tenacious, resilient, and relentlessly pursue victory. The indomitable spirit he once embodied as a midfielder is now being passed down from the sidelines to Persebaya Surabaya’s new generation. This East Java derby will serve as the ultimate stage to prove that the spirit of the Green Force is not only vibrantly alive but burning brighter than ever!
Summary
Robertino Pugliara, Persebaya Academy Football Director, shares his cherished memories of the East Java Derby against Arema FC, recalling the immense pressure and electrifying atmosphere. As a former player, he deeply felt the “win-at-all-costs” mentality, where even a draw was unacceptable, driving him to play aggressively. Pugliara, who played in two derbies in 2017/2018, now instills this fervent spirit into Persebaya’s current young talents and senior squad.
Meanwhile, Persebaya Surabaya has undergone two weeks of rigorous training for the upcoming BRI Super League match, with coach Eduardo Perez emphasizing serious preparation for three points. Perez views the derby as a pivotal moment that fuels players to perform bravely and maximize their potential, even while respecting Arema’s strong away record. The coach expresses full confidence in his team’s progress and their ability to secure a crucial victory in what he considers one of the season’s most vital matches.
