New Delhi: Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been appointed as the new head coach of Feyenoord, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2027. The 41-year-old club legend takes charge at De Kuip following an agreement between Feyenoord and SC Heerenveen, where Van Persie was in his first senior managerial role, having only taken over the club in the summer of 2024.
Van Persie returns to his boyhood club, having spent two spells at the club as a player, scoring 46 goals and providing 16 assists. The 41-year-old started and ended his playing days at the club and now returns in a managerial capacity, aiming to guide the Rotterdam-based club to further success. Van Persie will begin his duties at Feyenoord’s training complex 1908 from Monday, marking the start of his new chapter as a top-flight head coach.
Feyenoord’s CEO, Dennis te Kloese, expressed his excitement over Van Persie’s appointment, highlighting the Dutchman’s deep-rooted connection to the club and his potential to bring success. “We are delighted to appoint Robin van Persie, a true club icon, as the new head coach of Feyenoord’s first team,” Te Kloese stated. He credited Van Persie’s vast international experience which could help develop the youngsters at the club.
The next chapter starts here.
𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐞, welcome home again! pic.twitter.com/mgaM8yl79e
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) February 23, 2025
Van Persie’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Feyenoord, who have been without a permanent manager since February 10, when Brian Priske was dismissed. Pascal Bosschaart had stepped in as interim head coach, guiding the club to the last 16 of the Champions League after eliminating Milan in the play-off stage. With Van Persie now at the helm, Bosschaart will return to his previous role as head coach of Feyenoord’s Under-21 team.
Van Persie’s path to management has been a steady progression since retiring as a player in 2018. He initially took up coaching roles at Feyenoord’s academy, working with the club’s youth and senior squads. In 2024, he stepped into his first senior head coaching role at Heerenveen, where he won nine of his 26 matches in charge and left the club sitting ninth in the Eredivisie.
Club legend returns to bring stability
Club legend Robin va Persie now returns to help his beloved club bring in some stability and deliver results. Ever since the departure of Arne Slot to Liverpool in the summer, Feyenoord haven’t been able to match the success they achieved under the current Liverpool manager. His replacement, Brian Priske, was sacked earlier in the month due to inconsistent results and no clear progress and also oversaw the club’s largest ever UEFA Champions League defeat against Lille.
The new manager, however, will not be alone in his mission to restore Feyenoord’s fortunes. He will be assisted by former Manchester United coach, René Hake, who most recently worked as Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United. Hake has also signed a contract with Feyenoord until 2027 and brings a wealth of experience from his time at clubs such as FC Emmen, FC Twente, and Go Ahead Eagles.
Van Persie’s return as Feyenoord’s head coach comes with high expectations. As a player, he rose through the club’s ranks before making his senior debut in the 2001-02 season, playing a key role in Feyenoord’s UEFA Cup triumph. After making his mark in England with Arsenal and Manchester United, he returned to Feyenoord in 2018, winning the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield before retiring. His legacy as one of the most technically gifted strikers of his generation now fuels anticipation over how he will translate his footballing philosophy into management.
Opportunity to work with his son
📝 DEAL DONE: Shaqueel Van Persie, Robin’s 18-year-old son, has renewed his contract with Feyenoord until June 2028.
(Source: @Feyenoord ) pic.twitter.com/naMHXxOaNV
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 10, 2025
Van Persie’s move to Feyenoord while being an emotional homecoming for the Dutch legend, also offers him an opportunity to work with his son. The club, who are currently third in the Eredivisie, trailing league leaders Ajax by 11 points, also boast the younger Van Persie in their ranks. While the manager’s immediate task will be preparing the team for their upcoming league fixture against NEC Nijmegen on March 1, he might also have an eye out on his son’s development.
Shaqueel van Persie, the son of Feyenoord’s new manager, is an 18-year-old attacker, who started his career at Manchester City’s academy before joining his father’s new side in 2017. In November of last year after he turned 18, he signed a new three year deal with the club, keeping him at Feyenoord till 2028. Shaqueel is yet to make his debut for the club’s senior team but is already impressing for the youth teams and could be handed his debut by his father sometime later.
With a deep understanding of the club’s culture and a burning desire to succeed, Van Persie’s appointment marks a significant moment in Feyenoord’s history while also providing him a unique opportunity to help his son grow professionally. The hope among fans is that their legendary former striker can now deliver success from the sidelines, just as he once did on the pitch and also groom another Van Persie under his watchful eye to carry on his legacy.
Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie rejoins boyhood club Feyenoord but this time as head coach of the first team on a contract running until 2027. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
