Robin van Persie has taken a big step in his management career by becoming the new head coach of Feyenoord.
The former striker of Arsenal and Manchester United has become a member of his boy's club of colleague -Dutch side Heerenveen, where he had been in charge since May. Van Persie made 122 performances for Feyenoord as a player at the beginning and end of his career and scored 46 goals.
He also worked as an assistant coach under Dick Advocaat at Feyenoord, and coached the under-19s. The 41-year-old has signed a contract until 2027 and will be assisted by Rene Hake, who was part of the coaching staff of Erik ten Hag at United.
“Everyone knows how special my bond with Feyenoord is,” Van Persie said. “I look a lot ahead, together with a strong staff, to work with the players' group.”
Van Persie leaves Heerenveen ninth in the Eredivisie to become a member of the third placed Feyenoord, who will play Inter Milan next month in the last 16 of the Champions League. Feyenoord had a 50 percent chance to draw Arsenal in the next round, creating a reunion for Van Persie, but the Gunners landed instead of PSV Eindhoven.
He replaces Brian Priske, who succeeded Liverpool's Arne slot, but was only fired for two days before their play-off collision of Champions League against AC Milan. Van Persie was considered by West Brom in January before they chose Tony Mowbray after the move from Carlos Corberan to Valencia.
“We are delighted that we can designate a real club icon with Robin van Persie as the new coach of Feyenoord,” said general manager Dennis te Kloese. “Robin knows the club incredibly well and knows exactly what is needed to achieve results.
“With his enormous international experience, Robin can clearly help players to develop further here. Moreover, his football vision fits perfectly with what we have in mind at Feyenoord: attacking and well -maintained football, combined with guts, intensity and fights.
“To support him as a coach in transferring this vision, we found a very experienced assistant in René Hake, who will also strengthen the technical staff with immediate effect.”
Feyenoord had also considered Shakhtar -Baas Marino Pusic and Mark van Bommel before he went for Van Persie. Interim coach Pascal Bosschaart has been sent back to his previous role in the leadership of the under the 21s.
In Kloese added: “In recent weeks, Pascal has done fantastic work, for which we are incredibly grateful. The fact that Feyenoord succeeded in qualifying for the eighth final of the UEFA Champions League is a great performance of the entire staff and players' group. We are very grateful to Pascal that he was immediately willing to board as a real clubman when we called it. '
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