Robin van Persie has dismissed rumors that his position at Feyenoord is under threat, even as the team’s poor performance streak extended over the weekend.
The ex-Manchester United and Arsenal forward took on the role of Feyenoord manager last February, stepping into his inaugural significant coaching position after moving from Heerenveen to the storied Dutch club.
After securing a third-place finish last season, expectations were high for Feyenoord to mount a stronger challenge against defending champions PSV Eindhoven in this campaign.
Despite Feyenoord sitting in second place, Van Persie’s future came under scrutiny following the team’s run of just one victory in their last six league games.
Additionally, Feyenoord’s journey in the Europa League ended prematurely, with the team winning only two of their group-stage matches.
Robin van Persie has insisted he will not resign from his role as Feyenoord head coach
Feyenoord were beaten 3-0 by runaway league leaders PSV Eindhoven on Sunday
Amidst inquiries about his job security after the recent loss, Van Persie reportedly affirmed his commitment to staying in his role and expressed confidence in his ability to reverse the club’s fortunes.
‘You’ll have to ask the club management,’ Van Persie said, as reported by De Telegraaf, when asked about the hierarchy’s view.
He added: ‘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.’
Van Persie was defended by the club’s captain Timon Wellenreuther, who stressed that the players had failed to execute their head coach’s plan again PSV.
Wellenreuther also pointed to Feyenoord’s injury list as he attempted to defend their recent run of results.
‘We’re not a top team right now. We’ve had a lot of injuries and still have them, but that’s no excuse now. You saw that PSV is a top team; we really need to do much better.’
‘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.’
Van Persie comforted his son Shaqueel last week after he appeared to suffer a serious injury
Feyenoord revealed on the weekend that Shaqueel will not have to undergo surgery following a knee injury
Last week, Van Persie made headlines as he comforted his son Shaqueel after he was stretchered off during Feyenoord’s Europa League defeat with Real Betis.
Van Persie was seen kneeling down to touch Shaqueel on the shoulder, and spoke to him closely as he was attended to by medical staff.
The injury had come just days after Shaqueel, 19, had scored his first goals of his professional career.
Van Persie had expressed fears post-match that his son had suffered a serious injury, but those concerns were allayed this weekend after further tests by the club’s medical staff.
‘Shaqueel van Persie’s injury has undergone further medical examination,’ a club statement read.
‘The medical findings are positive and indicate that surgery is not necessary.
‘The rehabilitation process has already begun, and it is realistic that he will still be able to play some playing time this season.
