NOS Football•
Robin van Persie spoke extensively with the Feyenoord player group on Tuesday about current performance and his own performance. Despite the sporting crisis, the trainer is “more combative than ever” and is confident that he can turn the tide.
Van Persie also mentioned that he had spoken to director Dennis te Kloese about a change within the organization. He did not yet want to say who or what exactly that was about.
“I wrote down all my thoughts – about the team and myself. I literally shared that sheet with the players a day later and from there we had an extensive meeting. There I also indicated that I am more combative than ever.”
Van Persie also spoke with Timber. “That was a nice conversation. The conclusion was that we both have a strong character and want to win. The timing of our collaboration (Timber’s talks about a contract extension failed, ed.) has not been ideal.”
Goals conceded
Van Persie said during the winter break that he had reviewed and analyzed all previous goals conceded. But the Rotterdam team also scored many goals in the first matches of 2026.
“Three of Sparta’s goals came after we lost the ball, after which we did not function as a team,” said Van Persie. “That happened because they were in two minds. That’s up to me, I have to work on that. And we are working very hard on that. I do see improvement, but it is not yet at the level I want.”
Van Persie was asked how he viewed the criticism leveled at him from outside the club. He tried to explain that he did not want to play games – for example with journalist friends.
“As a player, I was never concerned with what people thought of me. I didn’t have any ‘lines’ or anything. That’s a charade that I never wanted to participate in. At Oranje there were players who always got a 7.5 in media reviews, even though they played poorly. And the line-up was then leaked a day in advance. Then I got a 5, even if I played well, and they got a 7.5. So it does create more resistance if you don’t go with the charade. participate.”
Van Persie: ‘Never had lines, never participated in that puppet show’
That does not mean that the current situation at Feyenoord leaves him unaffected. “It hurts my heart, I think it’s terrible. Not even for myself, because I have experienced so many disappointments in my career. I’m disappointed, but I know that only being strong together can help you out.”
Van Persie is still convinced that he can cause that resurrection. He resolutely rejects the fact that his job as Feyenoord’s coach has outgrown him due to his lack of experience. “Absolutely not.”
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