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Relegated Barito Putera Appoints Champion Coach Teco to Lead Promotion Push

Relegated Barito Putera Appoints Champion Coach Teco to Lead Promotion Push
Barito Putera has wasted no time in rebuilding after their relegation from Liga 1, officially appointing Stefano "Teco" Cugurra as head coach. The announcement was made via the club's Instagram account on June 2, signaling a bold new direction as they prepare for life in Liga 2. The club expressed confidence in Teco's leadership to guide them through the challenges ahead and eventually return to the top tier.

Following a disappointing season that saw them finish 17th in the 2024-25 Liga 1 standings, Barito joins PSIS Semarang and PSS Sleman as the teams demoted to Liga 2. The arrival of Teco is seen as a strategic move to restore stability and inject championship experience into the club's system. With the 2025/2026 season approaching, the focus has shifted to rebuilding a competitive squad under seasoned guidance.

Teco brings a proven track record in Indonesian football, having won the Liga 1 title three times—once with Persija Jakarta and twice with Bali United. His coaching résumé also includes a Piala Presiden victory in 2018, further demonstrating his ability to manage high-pressure campaigns. Barito Putera sees this hiring as a pivotal step in mounting a strong challenge for immediate promotion.

The decision to bring in a coach of Teco’s caliber underscores Barito’s commitment to bouncing back quickly. Club owner and South Kalimantan Vice Governor Hasnuryadi Sulaiman welcomed the new coach with optimism, emphasizing the importance of unity and ambition in the club’s recovery journey. With Teco at the helm, Barito aims to turn their setback into a springboard for long-term success.