Feyenoord have officially parted ways with head coach Robin van Persie, ending the Dutch legend's tenure after just one full season in charge despite guiding the club to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and securing qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.
The 42-year-old former Netherlands, Arsenal, and Manchester United striker returned to his boyhood club as head coach in February 2025 on a contract running until 2027. However, Feyenoord's board decided to make a managerial change following a comprehensive review of the club's performances.
Although Van Persie achieved the club's primary objective of Champions League qualification, Feyenoord finished a disappointing 19 points behind Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven. The Rotterdam side also struggled for consistency throughout the campaign, with poor results in both domestic and European competitions raising concerns among club executives.
In an official statement, technical director Devy Rigaux praised Van Persie's commitment to the club but explained that an internal evaluation concluded a new direction was needed. Rigaux cited the development of the team's playing style and a decline in points accumulation in both the Eredivisie and European competitions as key factors behind the decision.
Reports in Dutch media also suggested that Van Persie faced criticism for frequent tactical changes and strained relationships with some players during the season. Despite winning 30 matches during his spell, Feyenoord's leadership felt the club needed fresh leadership ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
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