Thom Haye Speaks Out Regarding Persib's Tight Schedule Ahead of the Match Against Dewa United

Persib Bandung faces its own unique set of challenges ahead of their fourth matchweek fixture against Dewa United in the 2026/2027 Super League. Despite only having limited preparation time due to a congested competition schedule, Maung Bandung remains determined to secure victory when playing in front of their home supporters.

The clash between Persib Bandung and Dewa United is scheduled to take place at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, on Sunday, 11 October 2026. This match presents an opportunity for Persib to pick up maximum points following their recent away fixture in Thailand.

Persib head coach Igor Tolic has acknowledged that his side does not have much time to finalise their preparations. This comes after Persib travelled to face Port FC in the ASEAN Club Championship 2026/2027 Shopee Cup in Pathum Thani, Thailand last Thursday.

This tight turnaround means the coaching staff have had to structure their training programme efficiently. Player recovery, post-match review, and tactical preparation for the Dewa United fixture are all critical tasks that must be completed within this limited window.

“One training session, recovery work, team briefing, then the match comes tomorrow. This is the schedule we have been handed, and we have to work within it. As this is a home fixture, we have prepared as best as we possibly can and will fight to get the best possible result tomorrow night,” stated Tolic in Bandung on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

Igor Tolic Warns Of Dewa United's Changed Playing Identity

Alongside concerns over player fitness, Tolic is also paying close attention to Dewa United's evolving game model. The Croatian coach noted that the appointment of their new head coach will have brought significant shifts to the opposition's tactical approach.

Tolic confirmed that Dewa United possess proven quality that cannot be dismissed. Their strong start to the domestic season is another reason Persib will not be taking this fixture lightly.

The strategic overhaul implemented by their new manager means Persib have had to prepare thoroughly for different in-game scenarios. This work has been made far more difficult by the cramped match schedule, which has severely restricted full tactical training time for the squad.

Tolic has predicted that the match against Dewa United will be a hard-fought contest. That said, home advantage will act as a major asset for Persib as they look to secure a positive result.

“I expect tomorrow night's match will present us with a very serious challenge if we want to walk away with the three points,” he added.

Thom Haye Addresses The Demands Of A Congested Fixture List

Persib Bandung midfielder Thom Haye has also commented on the brutal Match Schedule his side are currently navigating. He explained that this situation requires every player to properly manage their physical condition and make full use of every available recovery window.

With such a short gap between fixtures, Persib have not been able to carry out extended preparation work. This means every single training session must be utilised fully to ensure all players remain ready for the next challenge.

Haye emphasised that this lack of preparation time will not be accepted as an excuse for underperforming. Every member of the squad must maintain full readiness to compete at the required standard in every match.

“This schedule is demanding an enormous amount from everyone at this club. The only thing we can control is trying to prepare as well and as efficiently as we possibly can for every single fixture,” he stated.

The Dewa United match will serve as an early test of Persib's ability to manage player fitness and maintain consistent performance levels amid this crowded competition calendar. Home support from the stands is expected to give Maung Bandung the extra push needed to hit their target for this game.

For Persib, being able to sustain performance levels throughout this run of tight fixtures will be a critical deciding factor as they approach upcoming matches, both in domestic league competition and the regional Asian club tournament.