Arema FC has become a productive team since being handled by Widodo Cahyono Putro. Two matches, six goals were scored.
All were born from his line of strikers: Charles Lokolingoy, Dedik Setiawan and Gilbert Alvarez. This 53 year old coach seems to have succeeded in restoring the strikers’ goal instincts.
They came out of the shadow of goal-hungry striker, Gustavo Almeida, who was released to Persija Jakarta. Seeing that the striker line is on fire, it is predicted that Arema’s next opponent will not give them freedom.
Dedik et al will receive tighter guarding from the opposing defenders. Including when Arema played against Persikabo 1973 at the Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, Friday (01/03/2024).
“For us, the eleven players on the field must be ready. It’s not just strikers who can score goals. Whoever it is, even a defender. “If you get the slightest opportunity, you have to be able to score goals,” stressed the former Bali United coach.
Every Match, Score a Goal
Widodo’s principle is that every match his subordinates are instructed to always score a goal. Because there is a positive effect that can revive the players’ enthusiasm.
“Football certainly needs goals. The effect of goals is also needed,” he continued.
Furthermore, Widodo also instructed the Arema squad to study video recordings of each opponent. It is important to know the gaps in your opponent’s game.
Never Underestimate Your Opponent
“We don’t look at the standings. Because they are definitely also chasing victory. We focus on the overall evaluation. How the opponent attacks and defends,” he explained.
Please note, Persikabo is the team that has conceded the most goals at the moment. Their goal was broken through 52 times by their opponents. Meanwhile, Bhayangkara conceded 48 goals
Arema can maximize its attacks to exploit gaps in the two teams’ defenses.