Coach Javier Roca assesses Aremania to be the difference in the Arema vs Persik Kediri match first and now. The two teams will meet again in Week 28 of Liga 1 2021-2022, Sunday (27/2/2022), at 20.45 WIB.
As someone who has strengthened a number of teams in the Indonesian League from 2003-2013, Roca must have been involved in the match against Arema several times. What he couldn’t forget was of course when he played at Arema’s cage.
When Arema still used the name Arema Malang, Roca often visited the Gajayana Stadium, Malang City with his team. Aremania’s support was felt for the opposing team’s players.
“When I was still playing, Aremania’s presence as a supporter of Arema was very influential. We really feel when we are playing at Arema’s cage,” said Roca.
Grateful Arema vs Peach Game Wasn’t Attended by Aremania
Javier Roca is grateful that the Arema vs. Persik match this time was not attended by supporters of both teams, including Aremania. Because, if Arema is supported by their supporters, their enthusiasm to beat their team will be doubled.
In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, fans can only watch on the screen. According to him, this is a distinct advantage for Persik.
“You could say, in the current Covid-19 situation, where the match is being held without spectators, I think Persik is lucky. Because Aremania always gives extraordinary enthusiasm to Arema players on the field. The difference is that there used to be Aremania, now there is not,” he added.
East Java derby is always special
Javier Roca believes that every East Java Derby match involving Arema and Persik is always special. He felt it himself in the first round, when his team was forced to lose 2-3 to the Singo Edan Squad.
“We know these two teams are from East Java. If we talk about special or not, all matches are special,” he said.
Persik suffered a thin 2-3 defeat to Arema in the first round. READ: These are the interesting moments that colored the Persik vs Arema match in the first round.
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