Adhitia urges Persib to focus fully on ACL 2 play-off

Deputy CEO of PT PERSIB Bandung Bermartabat, Adhitia Putra Herawan, has asked his team to focus fully on the AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2) play-off when they face Philippine representatives Manila Digger in Bandung on 31 August. Adhitia made the remarks in response to the ACL 2 group stage draw, in which Persib, should they defeat Manila Digger, would occupy Group E alongside FC Seoul (South Korea), Melbourne Victory (Australia) and The Cong-Viettel (Vietnam). “But the most important thing is that we qualify first. Whoever the opponent, we must win first so that we advance to the next round,” said Adhitia, as quoted from Persib’s official website on Wednesday. The draw means Persib’s journey in this season’s Asian competition will not be easy. They will not only compete on quality with the three teams in Group E on the pitch, but will also face physical challenges due to the long journeys to Australia, South Korea and Vietnam. “But the most important thing is that we qualify first in the qualifier on the 31st (of August),” he concluded. Last season, Persib’s Asian campaign was ended by Thai club Ratchaburi in the round of 16. That achievement was better than the previous season, when they were eliminated early in the group stage after finishing bottom of the table.