Dutch Eredivisie club Feyenoord has officially announced the departure of head coach Robin van Persie, ending his tenure at the Rotterdam-based club less than two years after his return. The decision was made public on Sunday, with the club stating that it will begin the 2026/27 season under new leadership.
Club Statement and Thank You
In a brief statement on X, Feyenoord expressed gratitude to Van Persie for his contributions. The post read: "Feyenoord will start the 2026-2027 season with a new head coach. The club would like to thank Robin van Persie for everything he gave during his time as head coach."
Van Persie's Achievements
Van Persie was appointed head coach in February 2025, signing a contract that was set to run until 2027. During his 16-month spell, he led the team to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The 42-year-old former striker recorded 30 victories in 58 matches, helping Feyenoord maintain its status among the Netherlands' elite clubs.
Reasons for Departure
Despite these achievements, Feyenoord's hierarchy concluded that a change was necessary. Newly appointed technical director Devy Rigaux explained the decision in a more detailed statement on the club's website. He praised Van Persie's efforts but noted that an internal review raised concerns about the team's trajectory.
Rigaux stated: "Robin van Persie has given everything for the club over the past 1.5 years. He deserves credit for securing second place and Champions League qualification, which is very important for the club." However, he added that the assessment considered the development of the team's playing style, as well as a decline in results and points accumulation in both domestic and European competitions.
Inconsistency and Gap to PSV
Feyenoord ended the season 19 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven, with inconsistency proving costly throughout the campaign. The club aims to close that gap and challenge more strongly domestically and in Europe next season, leading to the decision for a fresh direction.
Van Persie's Legacy
A legendary figure in Dutch football, Van Persie enjoyed an illustrious playing career with clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United before moving into coaching. His return to Feyenoord as head coach was seen as a homecoming, but the club has opted for change as it prepares for the new campaign.
