Arema FC coach says Mauro Zijlstra needs time to adapt

Arema FC coach Marcos Santos stated that young striker Mauro Zijlstra requires more time to adapt to the team ahead of the 2026/2027 season. Zijlstra, a 21-year-old player of Dutch descent, joined Arema FC on loan from Persija Jakarta during the summer transfer window.

Santos noted that the player needs to build better chemistry with his teammates to maximize ball supply. Zijlstra recently featured in a friendly match against Deltras FC at Kanjuruhan Stadium, where Arema FC secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Johan Alfarizi and Hamzah Titofani. The coach expressed that Zijlstra's recent performance was expected given he had only been with the club for a few days.