Raheem Sterling failed to make an impact in Feyenoord’s game against Ajax on Sunday and was substituted in the 55th minute by coach Robin van Persie as Feyenoord drew 1-1.
Raheem Sterling failed to make an impact at Feyenoord vs. Ajax (Image: Wart Brinkerhof/Marcel ter Bals/Getty Images)
Robin van Persie hinted his patience with Raheem Sterling was running out after he pulled Raheem Sterling away early in Sunday’s game between Feyenoord and Ajax. Sterling joined the Dutch team on a free transfer in January and is still finding his form several months later.
The 31-year-old winger moved to Feyenoord in search of a fresh start after a poor spell at Chelsea. After a frustrating day on the sidelines under manager Enzo Maresca, he mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Chelsea in order to return to the pitch.
Feyenoord bet on Sterling, knowing that Sterling’s lack of match fitness would result in a slow start in his new environment. The former England international provided his first assist in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Excelsior and started as de Klassieker against Ajax on Sunday.
The game did not go to plan for Feyenoord and Sterling, who made 12 passes and zero shots in 55 minutes, but were caught by coach Van Persie who succumbed to the pressure. Feyenoord converted a late penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw, but there is dissatisfaction within the club and Van Persie has little time to be patient with his January contract.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page
read more: Victor Gokeres regrets losing in the Carabao Cup final and vows to help Arsenal win the trophyread more: Arsenal heartache and Eberechi Eze injury after leaving England squad
“These two worlds have to come together sooner or later,” he said after the game after Sterling’s fifth appearance. “We are working on it and the most important thing is to win games at this time when Raheem is getting healthier and healthier.
“So I respect and recognize where he comes from, but at the same time we have to get results as a club.
“We have to finish second, it’s simple. I believe he’s progressing both in terms of fitness and in terms of what he offers. At the same time, I want to see more impact off the ball, impact on the ball.”
Robin van Persie under pressure at Feyenoord (Image: Wart Brinkerhof/Marcel ter Bals/Getty Images)
Feyenoord are second in the Eredivisie, 15 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. To qualify for next season’s Champions League, they need to secure second place and maintain a three-point difference over third-place NEC and five points over fourth-place Ajax.
Sterling only has until the end of the season on his contract, so there is no time to waste. Prior to his arrival in the Netherlands, he had not played a competitive game since May, when he was on loan at Arsenal.
The former Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool winger has a number of options in the January transfer window, with as many as 18 clubs reportedly interested. He chose Feyenoord to play under Van Persie, attempting to rediscover his love for the game after a difficult period at Chelsea.
“He chose us because we believe in each other and we are going to help each other in the process,” Van Persie said in February. “From Raheem’s point of view it’s about being happy again and from our point of view it’s about him helping us and giving us a really positive boost.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
england official store
Buy now from England’s official store
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code: ENGFREEDEL to get free shipping on all orders.
