Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie has insisted he remains the right person to lead the club, despite a worrying run of results that has increased pressure on his position.
The Rotterdam side have endured a difficult spell in recent weeks, suffering a dramatic 4-3 UEFA Europa League defeat away to FCSB before losing 2-0 to Ajax in the Klassieker. Their struggles continued on Wednesday, as Feyenoord were knocked out of the KNVB Beker following a 3-2 home loss to sc Heerenveen, Van Persie’s former club.
The sequence of defeats means Feyenoord have now won just three of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of the final Eredivisie fixture of the calendar year, Van Persie moved to defend his role.
“I feel at home here. I feel comfortable, in good times and also when things are not going so well. I feel that I am the right person for this job,” the 42 year old said.
Van Persie was appointed in January 2025 after Brian Priske was dismissed following inconsistent results. Compared to the same stage last season, Feyenoord currently have one point fewer in the Eredivisie and seven fewer points in European competition. While Priske guided the club to the KNVB Beker quarter finals last season, Van Persie’s side exited the competition in the second round.
Despite this, the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker rejected claims that his team are underperforming.
“We are in second place,” he said. “I have been very open about our ambitions. We want to win the league. We are five points ahead of the team in third place, which is realistic when you look at the squads.”
“So if you ask me whether our ambition is to finish second, the answer is no. We want to be champions. But we are where we should be.”
Van Persie also addressed his post-match exchange with supporters following the defeat to Heerenveen.
“I told them again that the players are working extremely hard. Everyone can see that, but conceding late goals influences how things are perceived,” he explained.
Feyenoord will conclude its 2025 campaign on Sunday, December 21, when it hosts FC Twente in the Eredivisie.
