AMSTERDAM - Feyenoord has reaffirmed its support for head coach Robin van Persie through the end of the season, despite a sharp downturn in form that ended their Eredivisie title hopes.
The Rotterdam club sits second, 16 points behind runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven. After a blistering start-eight wins and one draw in their first nine matches-Feyenoord’s performance collapsed under criticism of Van Persie’s tactics and leadership.
Club director Dennis te Kloese declared full backing for the 42-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester United striker: “We are 100 per cent behind the coach.”
Veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, recently departed from Curaçao’s national team due to family health reasons, will now serve as an external advisor. He won’t take a bench role but will offer strategic input.
“Advocaat’s experience and fresh perspective can help with details,” Te Kloese said, stressing no regrets over appointing Van Persie a year ago.