Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie is facing intense scrutiny as his team prepares to host Celtic in a crucial Europa League clash at De Kuip today.
The former star forward’s managerial stint has hit a rough patch, with Feyenoord losing three consecutive matches and four of their last five, including a recent Stuttgart defeat that left them below Celtic in the group table.
This form has also cost them the top spot in the Eredivisie, where they now trail PSV Eindhoven by six points.
Van Persie—who previously managed Heerenveen to just nine wins in 26 games—is under mounting pressure, stating after Saturday’s 4-2 loss to NEC Nijmegen: “This isn’t typical of us… When you play that well, it’s hard to swallow.”
Both teams desperately need points for progression in the competition.
The match, which evokes memories of the 1970 European Cup final, sees Feyenoord missing key players like Givairo Read and Cyle Larin, while Celtic are navigating their own injury crisis.
In a personal highlight for the manager, Van Persie named his 19-year-old son, Shaqheel, on the bench for the first time, emphasizing he treats him “like any other player.”
The stakes are high, and the outcome could have serious consequences for both clubs’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
