Persebaya Adapts to Hot Weather Ahead of Facing Bhayangkara FC in the Liga 1 Opening Match

Persebaya Surabaya is not only preparing game strategies to face Bhayangkara FC for the opening week of the 2026/27 BRI Super League. The Bajul Ijo squad also has to acclimatize to hot weather conditions ahead of the match held at Sumpah Pemuda Stadium, Bandar Lampung, on Saturday afternoon.

Persebaya head coach Bernardo Tavares recognizes that air temperature may become one of the factors affecting match intensity. Since the fixture will kick off during daytime hours, the Surabaya-based side has implemented adjustments to their training program to help players adapt.

As quoted from the official I.League website on Thursday, Tavares confirmed Persebaya will roll out a series of adjustments to enable the team to perform at peak capacity.

"The upcoming match is scheduled for the afternoon, it will almost certainly be hot. That is why we have moved our training sessions to start earlier. Our main target right now is to properly adjust to the weather conditions," stated Tavares.

Earlier Training Schedule

The decision to bring forward training times is part of Persebaya's preparation plan for conditions outside their usual daily routine.

Tavares wants his squad to grow accustomed to the temperatures they will face during the match.

This acclimatization process is critical: opening fixtures of a new season typically demand high playing intensity. Physical condition that has not properly adjusted to heat can quickly degrade player focus and their ability to maintain consistent match tempo.

For this reason, Persebaya is proactively mitigating this risk ahead of matchday.

Tavares has made clear that external factors such as weather will not be accepted as an excuse once the match begins.

Physical and mental preparation will be aligned fully, to ensure Francisco Rivera and the rest of the squad can sustain their performance right through until the final whistle.

Pitch Conditions Also Under Assessment

Alongside the hot weather, Tavares has a second outstanding concern: the actual playing surface condition at Sumpah Pemuda Stadium.

The Portuguese coach confirmed he has not yet received verified updates on the current state of the pitch that will host the fixture, though he expressed confidence improvements have been made since last season.

Even so, Persebaya is preparing contingency game plans should the pitch ultimately fall below expected standards.

For Tavares, pitch quality directly impacts match flow. Unpredictable ball behaviour alters every element of the game: attacking build up, possession control, and defensive organisation.

Experiences from the previous campaign are being used as reference for this preparation. The squad intends not to be caught unprepared by poor pitch conditions for a second time.

"I do not know the exact condition of the pitch right now, I am only speaking from what we encountered last season. The simple truth is we must be ready for every outcome, regardless if the pitch is in good or bad shape," explained Tavares.

Should the pitch cause excessive ball bounce, Persebaya will switch their tactical approach. Tavares noted this scenario would very likely shift the match towards being decided by physical duels.

"If the ball bounces unpredictably, we have to win every physical contest. And make no mistake, Bhayangkara FC is an extremely physically strong team," he added.

This opening fixture against Bhayangkara FC represents Tavares' first chance to begin his tenure at Persebaya with a positive result.