In a momentous turn of events, Persib Bandung welcomed Bojan Hodak as their new head coach, sparking a wave of excitement and anticipation among the team and fans alike.
Hodak, renowned for his discipline and strong character, had previously achieved remarkable success at his former club, Kuala Lumpur City, despite facing challenges of limited resources and training facilities. Notably, he steered the club to victory in the 2021 Malaysia Cup and secured runner-up positions in both the 2022 AFC Cup and the 2023 Malaysia FA Cup.
Ahead of Persib’s crucial clash against Persik Kediri at Brawijaya Stadium on Friday, Hodak made his presence felt when he met the team in their hotel before the match. Even in this brief cameo, his impact was evident both on and off the field.
During his team talk, Hodak addressed the players in a mix of languages, showcasing his willingness to connect with the team beyond the confines of Indonesian language. He began by offering words of encouragement, assuring the players that he would take the time to know them better in the coming weeks.
“I can see you have lost a bit of confidence compared to last year,” Hodak acknowledged, highlighting the team’s current state.
However, he swiftly dispelled any pressure, emphasizing that while Persib’s motto might be “wajib menang” or “must win,” it is essential to recognize that in life, the only true “wajib” is the fear of one day dying. With this perspective, he urged the players not to be burdened by excessive pressure, reminding them that football is just a game.
“Don’t feel any pressure. It’s a big club. I know in Persib ‘wajib menang, wajib menang’. The only thing wajib in life is fear of one day to die. Everything else is just football so go out and don’t feel pressure. Under pressure, you cannot perform. Just go out and give your best. Don’t fear mistakes. Don’t fear failure.”
Hodak emphasized the importance of performing without fear, urging the players not to be afraid of making mistakes and failures, as it could hinder their performance on the field. Reiterating his belief in their abilities, he declared, “All of you are good players.”
The powerful message resonated with the team, and the impact was evident on the pitch as Persib secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Persik. Late goals from Ciro Alves and Ryan Kurnia in the final 10 minutes sealed the triumph, showcasing the team’s newfound resolve.
While it may be difficult to precisely measure how Hodak’s words influenced the outcome, his presence and motivational speech undoubtedly gave the team a much-needed boost. His ability to instill confidence and inspire his players was evident in their performance.
You can watch the full video here:
Persib World 