Igor Tolic Refuses to Comment on ACL 2 Group Stage Draw
Persib Bandung head coach Igor Tolic has firmly refused to comment on the results of the Asian Champions League Two (ACL 2) group-stage draw. Tolic stressed that the team’s main focus at the moment is preparing for their ACL 2 playoff match against Manila Digger.
Tolic admitted that he was not concerned about the ACL 2 group-stage draw, which was held recently. According to him, there are more important matters to deal with first, namely securing a place in the group stage through the playoff on December 31, 2026.
Persib are also facing several other important matches before they can turn their attention to the ACL 2 group stage. After facing Manila Digger, Persib will host PSM Makassar on September 6 before traveling to face Persija Jakarta on September 12.
“I don’t want to comment on the ACL draw. I don’t care about the other teams; I’m only focused on Manila. We want to finish the match against Manila. After that, we have a game against PSM, if I’m not mistaken, and then there’s the derby against Persija,” Igor said.
Igor continued by emphasizing that Persib must concentrate fully on their match against Manila Digger while ensuring that the club’s medical team works at its best. The medical staff will play a crucial role in ensuring the availability and fitness of the players amid the demanding schedule.
“For us, the main focus is only on the 31st. I don’t have any other matches or anything else on my mind. We have to get the players onto the pitch, while the medical team is working 24 hours a day. We are also working hard on this. We want to improve things, but this is the situation we are dealing with,” Igor explained.
In his view, close coordination with the medical staff is essential during such a congested schedule. Persib must be prepared to deal with the demanding run of fixtures in order to minimize the potential risks to the players’ fitness.
“You cannot avoid the fact that playing many matches in a short period of time has a negative impact. So, yes, this is the situation,” he concluded.
