PSM Makassar’s Tactical Revival: How Zulkifli Syukur and Ahmad Amiruddin Are Reshaping Indonesia’s Struggling Side

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

GIANYAR, Indonesia — The red card that ended Yuran Fernandez’s night in the fourth minute of PSM Makassar’s 2-0 loss to Bali United on April 27 wasn’t just a turning point in the match. It was a microcosm of the tactical stagnation that had plagued the five-time Indonesian champions for months. But behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is underway—one that could determine whether PSM avoids relegation in the BRI Super League’s final stretch.

Since taking over as interim head coach in March 2026, former PSM midfielder Ahmad Amiruddin has partnered with assistant coach Zulkifli Syukur to overhaul the team’s approach. Their collaboration—blending Amiruddin’s tactical acumen with Syukur’s on-field leadership—has injected fresh energy into a squad that had grown predictable and passive. The results are still fragile, but the signs of progress are undeniable.

From Monotony to Movement: How PSM’s Tactics Are Changing

Before the Bali United match, PSM’s struggles were evident in their rigid 4-2-3-1 formation. The team relied heavily on long balls to target striker Wiljan Pluim, even as the midfield—often anchored by Rizky Dwi Febrianto—struggled to transition play. Against Bali United, this approach collapsed within minutes. Fernandez’s early ejection forced PSM to play with 10 men for 86 minutes, exposing their lack of adaptability.

Amiruddin and Syukur’s adjustments have focused on three key areas:

• Pressing triggers: Instead of sitting deep, PSM now presses higher up the pitch, particularly in wide areas where wingers Muhammad Arfan and Ferdinand Sinaga are tasked with forcing turnovers.
• Midfield rotation: Syukur, a former PSM captain, has emphasized positional interchange between defensive midfielders and central defenders to bypass opposition pressure. This was visible in PSM’s recent 1-0 win over Persija Jakarta, where Rizky Dwi dropped into defense to build play from the back.
• Set-piece creativity: With Pluim as the focal point, PSM has introduced more varied routines, including short corners and disguised runs. The team scored its only goal in the Bali United match from a corner kick—albeit in a losing effort.

“We’re trying to produce the team more dynamic,” Amiruddin told reporters after a training session last week. “The players are responding well, but we need consistency. One good match doesn’t erase months of struggles.”

The Psychological Shift: Confidence and Competition

Beyond tactics, the coaching duo has reignited internal competition. Syukur, who played for PSM from 2010 to 2018, has used his deep relationships with the squad to foster accountability. In a recent interview with Harian Fajar, he noted that players are now “fighting for their places” in a way they weren’t earlier in the season.

This renewed intensity is most evident in the midfield, where youngsters like Muhammad Arfan and Rizky Dwi are pushing veterans for starting roles. Arfan, a 22-year-old winger, has started three of PSM’s last four matches—a stark contrast to his limited appearances earlier in the campaign.

“The players are more confident,” Syukur said. “They’re not afraid to grab risks, and that’s what we need right now.”

Standings Pressure: Can PSM Avoid the Drop?

With six matches remaining in the BRI Super League season, PSM sits in 15th place—just two points above the relegation zone. The team’s recent form (one win in their last five matches) has done little to ease concerns, but Amiruddin insists the process is more important than immediate results.

“We’re not thinking about relegation,” he said. “We’re focusing on improving every day. If we do that, the points will come.”

PSM’s remaining fixtures are daunting:

Three of these matches are against teams currently in the top eight, making every point critical. PSM’s next test—a home game against Persib Bandung on May 4—will be a litmus test for their tactical evolution.

What’s Next for PSM?

For Amiruddin and Syukur, the immediate priority is shoring up PSM’s defense. The team has conceded 38 goals this season—the third-worst record in the league. Fernandez’s suspension for the Persib match (due to his red card against Bali United) will force Amiruddin to reshuffle his backline, likely pairing Asnawi Mangkualam with Rizky Dwi in central defense.

“We need to be more organized at the back,” Amiruddin admitted. “Against Bali United, we were exposed on the counter. That can’t happen against Persib.”

The coaching staff is also monitoring the fitness of Wiljan Pluim, who has been nursing a minor ankle injury. Pluim’s ability to hold up play and link midfield to attack will be crucial in PSM’s quest for points.

Key Takeaways

• Tactical overhaul: PSM’s new pressing system and midfield rotation are designed to make the team less predictable. Early results are mixed, but the intent is clear.
• Psychological boost: Internal competition for starting spots has increased, with younger players like Muhammad Arfan earning more playing time.
• Relegation battle: PSM are two points above the drop zone with six matches left. Their remaining fixtures include three games against top-eight teams.
• Defensive concerns: The team has conceded 38 goals this season—only two teams have fared worse. Fernandez’s suspension for the Persib match adds to their defensive woes.
• Coaching chemistry: Amiruddin’s tactical ideas and Syukur’s man-management have created a balanced leadership dynamic. Their shared history with PSM has helped build trust with the squad.

The Road Ahead

PSM’s next match—against Persib Bandung on May 4 at Andi Mattalata Stadium—will provide the clearest indication yet of whether their tactical revival is taking hold. A win would lift them out of the relegation zone and inject much-needed momentum into their survival bid. A loss, however, could leave them staring at the abyss with just five matches to salvage their season.

For now, Amiruddin and Syukur are urging patience. “We’re not asking for miracles,” Syukur said. “We’re asking for progress.”

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