Feyenoord have lost eight of their last 11 games under Robin van Persie and faced angry supporters after losing 3-2 at home to former club Heerenveen on Wednesday.
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie said he felt he had to speak to supporters after his team suffered their eighth defeat in 11 games while being expelled from the KNVB Cup. In dramatic post-match scenes, Van Persie jumped over a De Kuip billboard and joined captain Justin Bigelow to confront angry fans.
Feyenoord equalized with just a few minutes left in regular time, but conceded the winner in the 90th minute against Heerenveen, where Van Persie left in February to return to his boyhood team. The hosts dominated the cup game, having 59 percent of possession and taking more than twice as many shots (22) compared to Heerenveen’s 10.
Not only did the 3-2 defeat end any hopes of a domestic cup run, Van Persie’s side suffered three defeats on a spin, sparking complaints from supporters. Fans could be seen gesturing and shouting furiously at the players watching from behind as Van Persie tried to calm the nerves.
After a brief exchange, the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker applauded them and walked away. “This hurts and it’s disappointing and it’s not good enough,” Van Persie told ESPN.
“Not from my side. I’m the head coach. The fans deserve a Feyenoord team that plays better, defends better and attacks better.”
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“I think it’s natural for supporters to express their emotions. It’s their right. Even if they’re very disappointed and it’s difficult, it’s important to let those emotions go as soon as possible. I think we should be there and give them a platform to express their feelings and frustrations.”
Van Persie admitted he felt “really disappointed” to hear that some fans wanted him fired. “There’s nothing like seeing Feyenoord do well and see their supporters happy,” added the 42-year-old. “I have an important role to play to make Feyenoord proud. I will do everything I can to turn things around for the fans.”
Feyenoord’s poor performance left them nine points behind Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven. In the Europa League, they only won one out of six games and remain in 30th place, making it unlikely they will reach the knockouts.
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The team lost 2-0 away to third-placed Ajax in their last match, but Van Persie vowed: “We believe we can turn this situation around and we will.”
“Things are not going as we would like, but we deserve it with our style of play. We need to produce more, handle the ball more safely, defend better… We weren’t good enough (against Ajax). We conceded goals too easily. That’s partly my fault. We need to prepare the players better for what’s to come.”
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