Robin van Persie. The name brings back fond memories for Arsenal supporters who experienced the Dutchman’s 132 goals in a Gunners shirt (and painful, when he pulled on the United shirt in 2012). As a coach, the legendary striker has just started, but is already getting the opportunity for a big job.
Currently, Van Persie leads Heerenveen, as of mid-February, the skating city’s club is in 9th place in the Eredivisie. Five places above, Feyenoord have recently sacked Arne Slot’s replacement Brian Priske.
A club in crisis? Hardly, after Tuesday’s Champions League match. With a draw against AC Milan at the San Siro, the club is through to the Champions League.
Nevertheless, hooked by the title race by Ajax and PSV already after twenty games is not sustainable for the club with the league title in 2022/23 and 2nd place last season.
According to David Ornstein at The Athletic, Feyenoord are now bringing in Van Persie as their new head coach. Van Persie both started and ended his career as a player at Feyenoord. So this is a natural choice.
For the 41-year-old, a huge opportunity, directly into the Champions League circus, for the first time as a coach.
