As has been well reported in the Netherlands, Sunday saw Robin van Persie leave Heerenveen to become the new Feyenoord manager. Signing a contract at De Kuip until the summer of 2027, Van Persie replaced interim Pascal Bosschaart and is joined by René Hake as his assistant.
The Rotterdammers’ coaching now consists of head coach Van Persie, assistants Hake, Etienne Reijnen and John de Wolf, as well as goalkeeping coach Jyri Nieminen.
Read on, as GBeNeFN recap the most notable moments from the unveiling that saw Dennis te Kloese and Robin van Persie speak with the press.
Te Kloese kicked off proceedings with a warm welcome for the man that not only started and ended his playing career with Feyenoord, but one who also came back to serve as Dick Advocaat’s assistant as well as a key figure in the club’s academy sides.
“Robin, thank you for the trust. This is something that happened quite quickly. (Addressing media) Robin’s football vision matches what we have in mind, with a lot of courage. We want to build a strong staff around him.
“One of the questions will be: why now? Of course, we made a choice with Brian Priske in the summer. I am responsible for that, even though I do not make all the decisions on my own. When you see that the goals we have are disappearing from view, you have to make a decision to change something. That has happened. We were able to get a good picture of Robin in his first period (as assistant) and in Robin’s period at Heerenveen. That is why we decided that this was a good time.”
(On the relative surprise surrounding the appointment) “I would like to turn it around: we have invested a lot of time in Robin’s development. Now there is an opportunity to support Robin with a staff that knows the club and has experience. I will also contribute as much as possible.
“It is still possible to reach the Champions League. We have to make the most of the time we have left. Finishing third: that is what we want, we are working very hard for that and that is also one of the reasons for bringing Robin this way now.”
Just like the club’s leading figure, Van Persie began his address with some warm words. “For the fourth time, I’m coming home. That feels great, I feel honoured. It’s a proud feeling. But at the same time I certainly have to get back to the order of the day. And that is that we have to perform. That bit of consciousness lives very much with me.”
Why did Robin van Persie come in now and not at the end of the season? “Transfers are never good in terms of timing. There is always one of the parties that is not satisfied. If you look at it from Heerenveen’s perspective, I understand that it is not ideal. Also from my perspective in terms of relationship with the players it is not ideal. But if you look at it from Feyenoord’s perspective and also from my perspective with a view to the future, this is ideal. You can look at it from different angles.”
He continued by speaking about his former club, as well as some managerial influences.
“I am very grateful that SC Heerenveen and Ferry de Haan gave me the opportunity to take my first steps as a head coach. I was able to develop myself further there.”
“What you say really has to mean something. That’s what I want to achieve. Ultimately, I was able to work under a lot of good trainers. If only I had a piece of paper with me to keep track of everything. Arsène Wenger was very good at giving confidence. I try to take that with me too. But the fact that I played football is nice; that doesn’t count anymore. I’m a trainer, I feel like a trainer. And I enjoy that.”
So, what did Van Persie learn at SC Heerenveen? The joy of simplicity, it seems.
“If you’re talking about building the structure of a style of play, we did that in a way that I really liked. The best trainers I’ve had were the clearest, they kept it simple. Football isn’t simple, but that’s the trick: to keep everything as simple as possible.”
And what of the new task at hand?
“Our biggest challenge is to bring two worlds together: the physical world and the footballing part. In that context, we have to be realistic. We really want to play dominant and attacking, but you have to deal with 12, 13 injuries, if I’m not mistaken.
“If it takes a little time, then so be it. But in the end, the health of the players is the most important thing.”
Van Persie was quick to approach the idea of unity and planning within his group of coaches. He was also clear about the turnaround he expects in terms of idea implementation.
“We had a meeting with the entire staff at my house yesterday. The focus point: the core values and our pitfalls. I think this is a good starting point, apart from all the goals that exist as a club. I think it is very important to know what everyone finds important in life. It got quite late yesterday. That’s a really good sign, and I enjoyed everyone’s openness. That is the starting point for me to really work well together.”
“My pitfall? It is also my strength, but I am not very patient. I am absolutely not cynical, but at the same time, I want to make steps and continue. In that, I know myself how I am.”
Some final key moments from the press conference saw recent former Feyenoord bosses get a mention, as Van Persie breached the topic of following in Arne Slot’s legacy.
“I think we should all be proud that Arne worked here for three years. He raised the standard. Isn’t that great? Feyenoord also experienced many beautiful moments this year under Brian Priske, and sometimes things didn’t go quite right. Well, that’s possible. But it’s never black and white.”
