Rotterdam – Feyenoord secured a 2-1 victory over Excelsior on Sunday, but the performance offered little reassurance heading into the crucial upcoming Klassieker against Ajax. The Dutch press on Monday began analyzing the challenges facing coach Robin van Persie as he prepares for the high-stakes match, a pivotal contest in the battle for second place in the Eredivisie.
De Telegraaf reported that the coming week will be critical for Feyenoord to address numerous areas for improvement. The newspaper criticized a “pathetic first half” performance against Excelsior, noting the team’s lack of energy and the disappointment of the home supporters. With rivals gaining ground in the league standings, the expectation was that Feyenoord would demonstrate greater urgency in the final stages of the season.
Despite the win secured by a brace from Ayase Ueda, confidence isn’t necessarily high heading into the Klassieker. Algemeen Dagblad questioned which players can be relied upon to step up in the important match. “If Feyenoord supporters are discussing the most important game of the year over coffee this week, which player names reach to mind as those they can count on? Given the team’s prolonged period of underwhelming form, there are understandably few,” the paper wrote.
A significant concern is the mounting injury crisis at right back. Givairo Read has been sidelined for some time, Bart Nieuwkoop suffered a new injury as a substitute against Excelsior, and Mats Deijl received a yellow card resulting in a suspension. The prospect of Jordan Lotomba filling in for Deijl against Ajax presents a further challenge, as the Swiss defender has not consistently delivered reliable performances for Feyenoord.
Ueda and Jakub Moder were highlighted as potential key players. Ueda has rediscovered his scoring touch with four goals in his last two matches, while Moder has proven his fitness and availability after a lengthy injury layoff. However, beyond those two, the picture is less clear. Luciano Valente and Anis Hadj-Moussa are considered valuable contributors, but Valente has not maintained the form he showed earlier in the season, and Hadj-Moussa’s recent performances have been inconsistent.
The role of Oussama Targhalline was also questioned. While he consistently plays the full 90 minutes, his contribution was undermined by a defensive lapse that led to Arthur Zagré’s opening goal for Excelsior. Jordan Bos had a difficult afternoon against Derensil Sanches Fernandes, but generally performs adequately. However, neither player is considered a reliable cornerstone of the team.
The situation is further complicated by existing injuries to key players like Hwang In-beom and Watanabe, as reported by De Havenloods. Van Persie faces a significant challenge in assembling a strong defensive lineup for the Klassieker, with multiple players unavailable or lacking consistent form.
The pressure on Van Persie is mounting, as he urged supporters last week to rally behind the team. The lack of enthusiasm from the stands during the match against Excelsior, described as an “oppressively quiet Kuip” by NOS, underscores the growing discontent among fans. The team’s struggles have raised questions about their ability to compete for the league title and maintain their position among the Eredivisie’s elite.
Feyenoord’s recent form has been erratic, and the team’s defensive vulnerabilities are a major concern. The Klassieker against Ajax represents a crucial test of their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for their chances of securing second place in the league and qualifying for European competition.
Ayase Ueda’s recent form offers a glimmer of hope. His two goals against Excelsior rescued a valuable three points and demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net. However, the team’s overall performance needs to improve significantly if they are to pose a serious threat to Ajax.
The upcoming match against Ajax will be a stern test for Feyenoord. The team’s ability to address its defensive issues, find consistency in attack, and regain the support of its fans will be crucial to their success. Van Persie will need to find a way to motivate his players and instill a sense of belief ahead of this pivotal encounter.
Feyenoord will face Ajax next Sunday, March 22nd, at De Kuip in Rotterdam. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM CET (1:30 PM GMT). Fans can follow the match live on ESPN+ in the United States and via various broadcasters throughout Europe and Asia.
What are your thoughts on Feyenoord’s chances in the Klassieker? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
