BANDUNG, Indonesia – Persib Bandung manager Bojan Hodak has provided an update on several players following the team’s return to training after the Idulfitri holiday, with particular attention given to the progress of midfielder Thom Haye.
Persib resumed training on Wednesday, March 25th, with several key players absent due to international duty. Beckham Putra and Eliano Reijnders are currently with the Indonesian national team, while Frans Putros is representing Iraq in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-off qualification stage. Despite these absences, Hodak reported that the initial training session went smoothly, with the available players successfully completing the planned program. This positive start is seen as crucial preparation for their upcoming matches in the 2025/2026 Super League.
While acknowledging the smooth return to training, Hodak also addressed the condition of recent signings, specifically Thom Haye. The manager admitted he wasn’t entirely satisfied with Haye’s debut performance against Persebaya on September 12, 2025, noting the player still needs to improve his fitness levels. Haye, who joined Persib as a free transfer after leaving Almere City, came on as a 61st-minute substitute in a match Persib won 1-0.
“Thom Haye still needs to improve his fitness in matches, because (he is) not 100 percent,” Hodak stated, as reported by I.League. This assessment comes after a period where Haye experienced a significant break in competitive play, impacting his overall conditioning.
The Croatian manager also highlighted the require for Andrew Jung to increase his fitness. Jung, like Haye, is still adjusting to his new surroundings. Hodak explained that Jung was hampered by illness upon his arrival, contributing to his need for further conditioning. However, Hodak was more positive about the debuts of Eliano Reijnders and Federico Barba, praising their performances.
This isn’t the first time Hodak has publicly discussed Haye’s adaptation. Earlier reports indicated initial concerns about Haye’s overall sharpness following his move to Indonesia. However, more recent performances have shown marked improvement. In a match against PSBS Biak on October 17, 2025, Haye’s contribution to a 3-0 victory was particularly noteworthy, with his accurate passing and vision playing a key role in unlocking the opposition defense.
Hodak acknowledged this progress, stating that Haye is “finding his rhythm” after a challenging start. “Thom Haye is a good player, his quality is not in doubt. But he came when the pre-season was already finished and the league had already started. So it’s natural that at the beginning he was a little tired,” Hodak explained on October 19, 2025. “But as he plays more minutes, he continues to demonstrate improvement. Every game, he gets better. This represents good, not only for Persib, but also for the Indonesian national team.”
The manager’s comments underscore the importance of patience and gradual integration for new players, particularly those joining mid-season. While the pressure to perform is always present, Hodak appears to be taking a measured approach, prioritizing Haye’s long-term development and contribution to both Persib and the national team.
The competitive nature of the Super League standings demands consistency from Persib, and Hodak is keen to ensure all his players are in peak condition. The team’s focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and building on recent positive results as they navigate a challenging schedule.
Persib’s next challenge will be a crucial match against [Next Opponent – information not available in sources], and Hodak will be hoping to have a fully fit squad available for selection. The team will continue to monitor the progress of Haye and Jung, aiming to maximize their potential and solidify Persib’s position in the league.
Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments from Persib Bandung through the club’s official channels and I.League’s website.
