Robin van Persie is facing a tough start to his managerial career at Feyenoord, but the former Manchester United and Arsenal star is making it clear: he has no plans to step down.
His first big role in management has hit turbulence, especially after a string of disappointing results and personal challenges off the pitch.
Tough Weekend for Feyenoord
Feyenoord’s weekend defeat to PSV Eindhoven—losing 3-0—left fans and pundits questioning Van Persie’s future.
Despite being second in the table, the Dutch giants are now 17 points behind the league leaders.
The loss marked just one win in their last six league matches, sparking speculation about the Dutch legend’s tenure.
Van Persie, however, brushed off the talk of resignation. “You’ll have to ask the club management,” he told De Telegraaf when asked if his position was in jeopardy.
“I’m disappointed, I feel responsible, and I literally am, of course. What I saw today against PSV is very disappointing.
At the same time, we played against a very good team. But overall, it was bad on my part, and it was bad on our part.”
Europa League Exit Adds Pressure
Feyenoord’s struggles haven’t been confined to domestic play.
The club also crashed out of the Europa League, winning only two of their six group-stage matches and suffering six defeats.
These results have intensified scrutiny on Van Persie, especially since the club had aimed to challenge reigning champions PSV this season after finishing third last year.
Players Acknowledge Their Shortcomings
Despite the media attention, Van Persie isn’t facing criticism alone.
Feyenoord captain Timon Wellenreuther defended the coach while pointing to the team’s execution problems and injury issues.
“We’re not a top team right now. We’ve had a lot of injuries and still have them, but that’s no excuse.
You saw that PSV is a top team; we really need to do much better,” Wellenreuther said.
He added, “It was really our fault against PSV. We, the players on the pitch, failed.
The coach had a great plan, but you can’t see that if you don’t win a single duel, don’t follow your man, and don’t execute what the coach says.
The real problem was on the pitch itself. If we as players don’t fight hard enough, it’s not the coach’s fault.”
Personal Challenges Off the Field
Adding to Van Persie’s difficult period was a harrowing moment last week when his son Shaqueel, 19, was stretchered off during Feyenoord’s Europa League loss to Real Betis.
The young striker had just celebrated his first professional goals days earlier, making the injury particularly distressing for the family.
Van Persie was seen kneeling beside Shaqueel, offering comfort as medical staff attended to him.
Thankfully, follow-up tests have brought relief.
“Surgery is not necessary,” the club reported.
“The rehabilitation process has already begun, and it is realistic that he will still be able to play some playing time this season.”
What Lies Ahead
With Feyenoord’s domestic and European campaigns under pressure, Van Persie faces a critical period to prove his managerial abilities.
While the results haven’t gone his way, he remains determined to turn the club’s fortunes around—both for the team and for his son, who is on the mend.
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