Feyenoord Part Ways With Van Persie Despite Champions League Qualification

Dutch giants Feyenoord have dismissed head coach Robin van Persie ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The club confirmed the decision in a brief statement released on Sunday.

“Feyenoord will start the 2026/27 season with a new head coach. The club would like to thank Robin van Persie for everything he gave during his time as head coach,” the statement read.

Van Persie returned to his boyhood club in February 2025 and guided Feyenoord to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie, securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

However, the club’s hierarchy opted for a managerial change following an internal review.

Explaining the decision, newly appointed technical director Devy Rigaux said the club had assessed several aspects of the team’s performance before reaching its conclusion.

“We conducted a thorough internal analysis,” Rigaux said.

“In doing so, we considered, among other factors, the development of our style of play and a decline in points accumulation, both in Europe and in the Eredivisie.

“The conclusion was that it would be better to begin the new season with a different head coach.”

The decision brings an end to Van Persie’s relatively short spell in charge and leaves Feyenoord searching for a new manager just weeks before the start of the new campaign.