SBOTOP: Arema vs Madura United Delayed — What Are the Pros and Cons?

Arema FC has now become the Liga 1 team with the longest preparation period following the Eid holiday, due to the postponement of their Week 28 fixture. While most clubs in the 2024/2025 BRI Liga 1 have already resumed their campaigns, Arema must wait a little longer before returning to the pitch.

Originally scheduled for April 13, the match against Madura United has been rescheduled to April 24, as Madura United remains involved in the AFC Challenge League.

As a result, Arema’s first post-Eid fixture will take place on April 20, when they visit Persita Tangerang. For head coach Ze Gomes, the delay is a double-edged sword—bringing both advantages and challenges.

Advantage: More Time for Recovery

According to SBOTOP, the most obvious benefit of the postponement is extended recovery time for the players. After a nine-day break for Eid, physical condition and match readiness are key areas of focus. Coach Gomes acknowledged the positive side:

“We now have more time to restore the players’ fitness, and that’s a huge help—especially since our next match is still a few days away.”

This extra period allows the squad to gradually return to top condition without rushing their recovery process.

Arema Challenge: Loss of Competitive Rhythm

On the flip side, such a long gap without competitive football could affect the players’ momentum and match sharpness. Maintaining focus and hunger becomes more difficult the longer the wait.

“A long break like this isn’t ideal. Players are eager to return to the pitch and feel the competition again,” Gomes admitted.

It will be essential for Arema to reignite match intensity quickly to avoid a sluggish restart.

Training Adjustments and Strategy

The postponement news came just days before Eid, forcing the coaching staff to revise their training schedule. Arema resumed training on April 7 in Malang, with the initial sessions focused on fitness recovery and reconditioning.

The team will continue with a mix of physical drills and tactical preparations to maintain a balanced approach until they return to action.

Extra Time to Prepare Kanjuruhan Stadium

Beyond the squad itself, the delay also benefits the club’s management and organizing committee, who now have more time to prepare Stadion Kanjuruhan to meet Liga 1 standards.

Arema General Manager Yusrinal Fitriandi stated:

“This postponement gives our organizing team more time to ensure Kanjuruhan Stadium is fully ready. The stadium inspection is set for April 8, and we’re confident we’ll be able to host the home match against Madura United there.”

Without the postponement, Arema might have struggled to meet the stadium requirements in time for the original date. Now, the extended timeline allows for a more thorough and confident preparation process.

Arema Looking Ahead

While the postponement presents some logistical and competitive challenges, Arema is embracing the opportunity to refine their preparations and recharge—both on the field and off. With key fixtures ahead and the fight for survival or mid-table stability ongoing, the Laskar Singo Edan will be hoping that this extended break pays off in performance when they finally return to the pitch.