Persebaya Surabaya is focusing on physical condition recovery ahead of the 2026/2027 Super League.

Persebaya Surabaya has entered the final preparation phase ahead of the 2026/2027 competitive season. Head coach Bernardo Tavares has prioritized player physical recovery before the squad resumes training programs at higher intensity levels.

This measure is implemented to ensure all players have sufficient stamina, physical condition, and mental readiness once they enter competitive matches. Persebaya is scheduled to open their 2026/2027 BRI Super League campaign against Bhayangkara FC on 5 September 2026.

"One thing I can state is that the players will go through recovery periods, get several days of rest, and after that we will assess who is in good enough condition to begin building up stamina, physical capacity, and mental fortitude," Tavares stated, quoted from the official I.League website on Thursday.

For Tavares, this recovery period does not mean the team is scaling back their competitive ambitions. This phase is instead part of the evaluation process to determine which players are ready to progress to increased training loads.

Persebaya Preparing Physical Endurance For Full 90 Minutes

Tavares explained that his coaching staff are conducting full comprehensive evaluations to ensure Persebaya is in optimal condition for their first match of the new season.

One core focus is player endurance, to be able to maintain match intensity for the full 90 minutes. A structured progressive intensive training program has been prepared to build this physical stamina gradually.

However, physical capability is not the only aspect the Portuguese head coach is prioritizing. Discipline and emotional control are also deemed critical to ensure the team can execute their game plan according to strategy.

Tavares has warned his players against letting emotions get the better of them when reacting to referee decisions. Overly emotional reactions carry a high risk of the team losing players due to accumulated disciplinary cards.

"Sometimes we react far too emotionally to referee calls. I am convinced that if we cannot control this, we will pick up far too many yellow cards. This is something we absolutely must manage properly," Tavares remarked.

This guidance forms part of Persebaya's efforts to eliminate non-technical issues that can disrupt player concentration during matches.

Transition Play And Set Pieces Being Continuously Refined

Alongside improving physical and mental readiness, Persebaya is also continuously strengthening tactical aspects. Game organisation, transition play, and set piece routines are all being regularly drilled and refined in training sessions.

Tavares uses collective team training sessions as well as individual video review sessions to help players understand match situations in greater detail.

With this approach, it is expected that players will be able to make fast, correct decisions when adapting to changing situations on the pitch.

"When the ball goes out of play, stay focused. Never turn your back on the ball, because opponents can take quick throw-ins. These small details are what we train: attacking structure, defensive organisation, transition play, right through to every set piece routine," he added.

This statement illustrates the meticulous, detail-oriented approach Tavares is implementing to build the Persebaya squad.

For the head coach, a team's readiness is not only measured by their ability to score goals or defend, but also by how players maintain full concentration through every single phase of a match.

With the start of the Super League season drawing ever closer, Persebaya is now working to carefully balance necessary player recovery with the gradual increase of training intensity.