Feyenoord sack head coach Robin van Persie after 16 months in charge
Feyenoord have sacked head coach Robin van Persie after just 16 months in charge following a declining trend in Eredivisie results.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker guided the Rotterdam club to a second-place finish and Champions League qualification in his only full season at the helm.
However, the side ultimately finished 19 points adrift of eventual champions PSV Eindhoven.
The 42-year-old’s departure comes merely two weeks after the board appointed Devy Rigaux as technical director and Robert Eenhoorn as general manager.
Board cite declining performances for dismissal
Rigaux acknowledged the Dutchman’s efforts during a challenging campaign that still secured vital European football.
“Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the past 1.5 years. He certainly deserves credit for concluding a difficult season with a final second-place finish.”
The Feyenoord technical director explained that a thorough internal analysis prompted the sudden managerial change.
“We took into account, among other things, the development of the style of play and the declining trend in terms of points total, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie.”
“The conclusion was that it is better to start the next season with a new head coach.”
A legendary playing career yields to managerial struggles
The former Dutch international previously enjoyed two spells as a player in Rotterdam at both the beginning and end of his illustrious career.
He scored a total of 46 goals across 122 appearances for his boyhood team before retiring.
Transitioning into coaching, the ex-forward initially worked as an assistant under Dick Advocaat while developing his tactical acumen within the youth setup.
He briefly departed to take charge of Heerenveen in May 2024 before returning to manage Feyenoord nine months later.
During his playing days in England, the prolific attacker spent eight successful years in North London and lifted the FA Cup with Arsenal.
A high-profile transfer to Old Trafford followed in 2012, where he immediately fired Manchester United to the Premier League title during his debut season.