Latest news with #VanPersie
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ex-Liverpool ace Jordan Henderson relying on big favour from former Man Utd star
Jordan Henderson captained Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2020 but one of his former Premier League rivals could have a say in his pursuit of another league win Jordan Henderson is looking for a big favour from his old Manchester United rival Robin van Persie. Henderson, who lifted the Premier League trophy for Liverpool five years ago, will add the Dutch title to his medal collection today if the Feyenoord team that Van Persie now coaches secures victory against PSV Eindhoven. The England midfielder will lead Ajax into their home game with NEC Nijmegen later in the day - and the Amsterdam giants are hoping it will turn into a Eredivisie title party before a ball has been kicked inside the Johan Cruyff Arena. A PSV victory followed by an Ajax defeat would take the race down to the wire - with the current leaders stuttering slightly in recent weeks with a draw against Sparta Rotterdam and a 4-0 thrashing by Utrecht before a nervy 2-1 win at Willem II. Van Persie, the brilliant striker who 12 years ago scored 26 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford to help Sir Alex Ferguson win the last of his 13 Premier League titles, needs three points to boost his club's chances of qualifying for the Champions League after being dealt a huge blow by United's progress into the Europa League Final on Thursday night. United prevailed against Athletic Bilbao to set up a meeting with Tottenham for the trophy - and a place in the Champions League. If Bilbao had won the Europa League then three Dutch clubs would have gone directly into the group stage of the tournament. That has now been reduced to two by the all-Premier League final - and Van Persie's Feyenoord are currently five points behind PSV in third place and facing the prospect of going into the play-offs for the right to join Europe's elite The Rotterdam club are in top form, having won seven successive games during the run-in. And while Ajax are Feyenoord's biggest rivals, the memories of surrendering the title on the final day in both 2007 and 2016 means they will want to avoid going to the wire once again. Van Persie said: 'A victory for Athletic Bilbao would have been much better for Feyenoord because of the extra Champions League spot which was possible if they had gone through. 'So I was torn in two ways because I also wanted Man United to do well. I enjoyed United's success when I watched them. They have had a difficult season and yet they are in a European final. That is really wonderful. 'I could tell the joy from the faces of both players and fans at Old Trafford. I was focusing on the fans in the stands and it really meant something to them.' Van Persie, who spent eight years with Arsenal before moving to Manchester in a £30million deal in 2012, was disappointed that the Gunners failed to reach the Champions League final after being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain. He added: 'I also wanted Arsenal to do well because I wish them as much success as United. They are both my old clubs. 'I was hopeful in the first half-hour, when I saw how Arsenal were playing against PSG. But they were not able to cope with the quality of PSG, who deserved to go to the final.' Van Persie will equal a record that has stood for 56 years if his team overcomes Eindhoven in the De Kuip. Legendary Dutch coach Ernst Happel is the only man to have won his first eight games in charge of the Rotterdam club - and a year later he guided them to the 1970 European Cup. Feyenoord decided to appoint former Portsmouth defender Brian Priske as successor to Arne Slot last summer. That prompted Van Persie to resign from his role in the academy to take over at Heerenveen, but he returned to the club that launched him as a player when Priske was sacked after just six months. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Reuters
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Feyenoord coach Van Persie still hoping to get past Inter
MILAN, March 10 (Reuters) - New Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie said his side could still fight their way into contention in their Champions League last-16 clash at Inter Milan even though they go into Tuesday's return game trailing by two goals. The Dutch club lost 2-0 at home to the Italians last week and will have their backs against the wall versus the Serie A leaders in the return at the San Siro. 'The beauty of sport is that there is always hope, even if people think there is little chance," Van Persie told a press conference on Monday. The Feyenoord manager has had only two games in charge since taking over, including the first leg where his side were thoroughly outplayed. "It is clear that we want to surprise everyone. The expectation now is that it is hopeless for us. Well, I don't think so. We have a chance to win against a very strong Inter, but then we have to be at our best." He added that his players must believe they can overturn the deficit after Inter's Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez scored in last Wednesday's first leg in Rotterdam. "The most important message I'm giving ahead of this match is believe in yourself, believe in each other. I've seen crazier things happen over the years,' Van Persie said. 'We're facing a huge challenge together, but we're not running away from it. I think the players we have now are really good. 'We're going to do it with these guys and the belief is there. There's no point in talking about other scenarios.' With Feyenoord not playing this weekend, Van Persie watched Inter come from two goals down to beat Monza 3-2 at the San Siro on Saturday. 'They (Inter) always do the same thing, in attacking and switching. And they do it incredibly well. 'On the one hand that is a big challenge, but on the other hand it also offers opportunities. We do not expect Inter to do anything different tomorrow night. But there are also opportunities against a very strong team,' he added. However, Feyenoord will have to cope without injured Brazilian attacker Igor Paixao, one of their top performers this season, after he was hurt in training on Monday. "It is certainly a blow that Igor Paixao is not there. We are not assuming a long-term injury but we will look at that in the coming days," Van Persie added.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Inzaghi complimentary about Feyenoord's Champions League battle plan against Inter
Last night De Kuip bore witness to another fine evening of Champions League viewing. Although Feyenoord were eventually beaten 2-0 by the visiting Italian champions Inter, Robin van Persie's hosts picked up some kind words from Nerazzurri boss Simone Inzaghi ahead of the second decisive tie. Making his Champions League dugout debut, Van Persie set up his Rotterdam side with a structure that proved difficult to break down. However, with fine goals either side of the interval from Marcus Thuram and Inter's record marksman in European competition, Lautaro Martinez, the hosts were eventually put to the sword. Brilliant cross, brilliant finish! 💥Marcus Thuram gives Inter the lead in Rotterdam! 🔵🔝 📺 Watch the Champions League LIVE on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5, 2025 Speaking with the Italian press after the match, the Inter boss was highly complimentary of both the atmosphere and his opponent manager's tactics. 'My team did incredibly well. It was not an easy match in this stadium. Although we are in a good position, there are always hidden dangers, so we will have to be vigilant for this Feyenoord next week as well. 'Feyenoord have a strong team. They managed to surprise us by playing with four attackers, with Igor Paixão as an advanced midfielder behind them. 'We didn't really know what to expect after Van Persie only led his first match for Feyenoord last Saturday. They played in a completely different formation and system than against AC Milan. Nevertheless, those matches helped us in preparing for this match.' In addition to his praise, Inzaghi was careful not to underestimate the return leg on Tuesday at San Siro, citing previous the club's previous exploits at the Etihad earlier in the European campaign. 'We won the first match, but we're not there yet. We mustn't forget that Feyenoord managed to score three goals at Manchester City.' Ahead of Tuesday night's second-leg clash, Inter will play Monza at home on Saturday. Feyenoord have no games between now and the midweek battle under the lights. HE SMASHED THAT ONE HOME!! ☄️Lautaro Martinez puts the visitors in full control of the tie! ⚔️ 📺 Watch the Champions League LIVE on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5, 2025 GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield
The Guardian
05-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Thuram and Martínez quell Feyenoord's fire to put Inter in control of last-16 tie
Robin van Persie has helped Feyenoord stun Inter before but it will take an almighty turnaround to earn their first European Cup quarter-final since 1972. This was a harsh introduction to the sharp end of management for a local hero whose below-strength side sparkled briefly before their visitors' knowhow comfortably won out. A goal in each half from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez meant Inter have a foot in the last eight and, positioned in the softer half of the draw, cannot be discounted from going the distance. It will take time for Van Persie, appointed 10 days ago to harness the legacy bequeathed by Arne Slot, to stamp his identity here; a seasoned Inter, ultimately assured and lethal, look quietly confident in their own skin. There had been an epic quality to the buildup. The sun shimmered over this city's snaking waterways while vessels hauled their freight this way and that along the arteries that keep a continent in motion. As the light receded, focus was concentrated on the curves of a venue with no equivalent in Europe. Sound courses around this uncompromising, sweeping yet intimate, cauldron with the ferocity of cyclists hurtling round the bends in a velodrome. It reached guttural, feverish levels as Van Persie and his players emerged. This could be Rotterdam and nowhere else. The choirs had converged here in search of history, or perhaps just a repeat of it. Van Persie knows better than most what happened in April 2002, when Feyenoord's home staged one of its most famous nights. Inter were overcome in a Uefa Cup semi-final, an 18-year-old forward setting up the first goal for Pierre van Hooijdonk, and Feyenoord proceeded to win the trophy. The rangy left winger who started that game could barely have countenanced overseeing the chance to do it all again. The hair is greyer these days and Van Persie, inheriting a fearful injury crisis along with his dream job, would need that atmosphere to help ease his problems. Feyenoord were missing 16 players through injury, suspension or ineligibility; they had come through thrillingly to beat Milan in the playoffs but toppling Inter, the Serie A leaders, over two legs would require heroics comparable with those of two decades past. Van Persie had detected a sharpness in the depleted hosts even though they drew with NEC in his first game. They began at speed, the left winger Ibrahim Osman forcing Josep Martínez to parry wide. Osman, on loan from Brighton, was a menace and escaped again in the 11th minute. This time the angle was tighter and the keeper emerged swiftly to block. Feyenoord won five corners in the opening 20 minutes, their energy bringing territory if not clear chances. In such cases there is always the sense Italian poise and wisdom will ease through. The Inter right wing-back Denzel Dumfries, a graduate of Sparta Rotterdam, had squandered a promising position in a portent of future success down that flank. Lautaro Martínez would see a shot charged down during respite from Feyenoord's squall and, from a Thuram-led break before the half-hour, Hugo Bueno made a crucial intervention. Then Timon Wellenreuther held a bouncing attempt from Alessandro Bastoni but the opener had hardly been advertised in neon. It came when Dumfries, near the byline, teed up Nicolò Barella for a cross that dipped towards the six-yard box. Thuram, contorting in mid-air, had escaped the defence's clutches and could divert a difficult right-footed volley high into the net. Now Inter could exert some authority: Wellenreuther was worked by Martínez and, from a free-kick, Kristjan Asllani at the end of a half that had turned their way. Could Van Persie's bold, raw collage of available players swing things back after the interval? The answer came quickly and, for Feyenoord, dispiritingly. Bastoni, enjoying himself in a left-sided role demanded by Inter's own injury woes, made light of his 6ft 3in frame by manoeuvring around the novice right-back Jeyland Mitchell and laid on a chance for Piotr Zielinski. The effort was blocked but pinged back to Zielinski, who this time worked the ball forwards to Martínez. An immaculate first touch preceded an emphatic finish and Inter looked unassailable. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion 'I get knocked down, but I get up again,' a pre-match display by Feyenoord's fans had read and, channelling the Chumbawamba hit, their team did exactly that. The livewire Osman rolled his man and centred for Jakub Moder, gloriously placed, to sidefoot high. That miss looked more severe when, after an extensive VAR check, the struggling Mitchell was penalised for clipping Thuram's ankle in the box. Zielinski was given a chance to put the tie beyond doubt but his low, ill-directed penalty was repelled by Wellenreuther and a previously becalmed crowd discovered a second wind. They howled when Ayase Ueda, tasked with rounding the ex-Feyenoord defender Stefan De Vrij, fell before he could go for goal. There was no case for a spot kick and inspiration would be required from elsewhere. The home pressure dialled back up but Inter have seen this movie before. They eased home and, in truth, had bent the script to their will for much of the night.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Robin van Persie 'proud' of Arne Slot as former Man Utd striker makes heartfelt admission
Robin van Persie has spoken candidly about the "legacy" left by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot from his time at Feyenoord. Slot had a successful three-year stint as the Eredivisie club's boss before taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. Slot's tenure at Liverpool has kicked off impressively, with the team sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, 13 points clear of Arsenal. The Reds are also gearing up for the Champions League last-16, where they're set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming first leg on Wednesday. Feyenoord recently named Van Persie as its new head coach, following his managerial role at fellow Dutch side Heerenveen. During Slot's management of Feyenoord's first team, Van Persie was involved with the club's youth set-up. READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp's final prediction as Liverpool manager has already come true - 'It's great' READ MORE: Arne Slot will be without 4 stars vs PSG as 4 more Liverpool players walking UEFA tightrope After Slot departed Feyenoord last summer, Brian Priske stepped in as manager. However, Priske's tenure was short-lived, lasting just over six months before he exited Rotterdam last month, paving the way for Van Persie's appointment shortly after. Van Persie has shed light on Slot's influence at Feyenoord and expressed how he and the club are "proud" of the success Slot is achieving at Liverpool. "We should all be very proud that Arne has worked here at Feyenoord for three years," Van Persie said. "He did a really great job, absolutely raised the level, and if you see how he is doing now at Liverpool that is really something we are proud of. I am happy to continue the work with his legacy. "I won't suffer from it. On the contrary, I see it as a plus because a number of players who worked under Arne know the patterns I like to see." Things have not gone so well for Feyenoord since Slot left. It is only fourth in the Eredivisie standings this season, 13 points behind the league leader, Ajax, but is gearing up for a Champions League last-16 tie against Inter Milan having knocked out AC Milan in the play-off round last month. says: Slot is doing an exceptional job at Anfield considering the circumstances. He came in to replace a legend in Klopp but has done so seamlessly. Liverpool looks well set up for the future under the Dutchman, who appears to be the ideal personality to hold such a role.
