Liga 1 Indonesia side Persebaya Surabaya has this week formally announced the appointment of their new head coach, Josep Gombau. This Spanish tactician, known for his time at Hong Kong giants Kitchee, Australian powerhouses Adelaide United, and Indian side Odisha FC, will take charge of the Bajul Ijo until the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
Having rested and subsequently sacked Aji Santoso following a dismal start to the campaign, Persebaya have landed a very capable replacement to fill in their head coach vacancy in the form of Gombau, who had honed his managerial skills at Spanish giants Barcelona.
Furthermore, Persebaya have disclosed that Gombau will also take on the role of technical director, working together closely with Uston Nawawi who had previously coached Persebaya in a caretaker capacity.
“Coach Gombau will also assume responsibilities as the technical director. This move aligns with Persebaya’s strategy to enhance the academy system, the analytical department, and coaching structure,” said a statement from Persebaya, “In tandem with Coach Uston Nawawi, Coach Gombau is committed to leading Persebaya towards this season’s objectives.”
Following Aji’s sacking, Persebaya went through an unbeaten run of four games underneath caretaker head coach Uston, winning three and drawing once. The Bajul Ijo were set to appoint club legend Uston as their new head coach, however he had lacked the necessary qualifications to manage in the Liga 1, as his AFC Pro license will be issued at the end of this year.
After being linked with both Paul Munster and Divaldo Alves, Persebaya had made the decision to appoint Gombau to work alongside Uston, with the Spaniard having won both the Hong Kong top-flight with Kitchee and the Australia Cup with Adelaide United during his managerial career.