Despite currently staying in the top five on the league table, Persipura Jayapura are reportedly not satisfied with Peter Butler works. The English coach was sacked on 22 June following a board meeting to evaluate the Mutiara Hitam results in Go-Jek Liga 1 2018.
“We decide to not continue the partnership with Peter Butler, and we thank him for the works in recent months. Especially for the chances that has been given to Papua young players”, said Persipura General Manager, Benhur Tommy Mano, who also the Mayor of Jayapura city.
The dismissal raised many eyebrows as Persipura were having a good run earlier this season. The club has won five games, draw two and lost two . The Jayapura side are consistently staying at the top of the table for 8 weeks, started from 3rd match until the 10th match.
But in last 4 games, Persipura are winless. They lost against Persija Jakarta and Bali United, then draw against Persebaya Surabaya and PSM Makassar. Three of them (except Persebaya) are the title contenders in Go-Jek Liga 1 2018, and that was only one match played at home (Mandala Stadium) while the rests are away games.
For a while, Persipura will be coached by Tony Ho and Alan Haviludin. Tony was the assistant coach of Peter Butler, and Alan is a goalkeeper coach. The new management team will lead Persipura at home against the title-holder, Bhayangkara FC, at Matchday 14, following the Eid Mubarak break.