Dibuat oleh Admin. Pada 25 December 2024 - 12:00
The Satria Muda Pertamina squad seems to have to accept the challenge that they only get one day off during Christmas this year. This is because the tip-off for next season is only less than two weeks away. That is the main factor in the SM Pertamina coaching staff deciding to only give the SM players a holiday on December 25.
"Yes, the league is near so we have no choice but to reduce the Christmas holiday this year, besides that, we still have many needs as a team. I still need to see them play as a solid unit, I also still feel the need to tighten up our various systems and playing patterns," said SM Pertamina head coach Youbel Sondakh.
"And basketball players will have a holiday during the off-season, they can have a month or so of vacation. So we are indeed different from office workers, hehe," he added with a laugh.
When asked about the team's readiness, the man from Manado said that SM Pertamina's development is getting better. The players are starting to understand each other's playing styles.
"Our graphics are getting better, plus every week foreign players come so it's getting easier for us to play as Satria Muda. Because I think sooner or later the adaptation of foreign and local players will be the key to whether or not we will be successful at the start of the season. But I'm sure everything will go well for SM," he continued.
When asked about Christmas traditions in the family, the coach who has twice led SM Pertamina to become champions said there are no special rituals. Just going to church and gathering with family.
"Sometimes we also exchange gifts on Christmas Eve but the thing I miss the most is going to the homes of various relatives at Christmas. Something that rarely happens because every year Christmas and the tip-off of the new season are always close together, but hopefully in the following years I can have the chance to visit them," he concluded.
Celebrating Christmas with family is also a mandatory tradition for one of Satria Muda Pertamina's senior players Juan Laurent. The player with the number 0 jersey said that it would be very strange if he didn't go to church with his extended family on Christmas Eve.
"Yes, even though this year we only have one day off for Christmas, I will definitely make time to meet my family and girlfriend. Because this moment only happens once a year, so there's nothing wrong with spending it with our loved ones. Besides, I think it's okay if we only have one day off because the preparation time is also tight and we still have to keep improving so that next season will be better," he said.
This figure from Bandung also hopes that this Christmas he can become a much more mature person both on and off the field.
"Besides that, of course, I and everyone hope that we can lift the trophy that has been away from us for two years, amen," he concluded briefly. (FR)
