Robin van Persie, a former star forward for both Arsenal and Manchester United, now finds himself under scrutiny not for his skills on the pitch, but for his leadership off it. A player from his current team, Feyenoord, has accused him of failing to adequately ‘protect’ his squad. Van Persie, who played 278 matches for Arsenal and another 105 for Manchester United, took the helm at Feyenoord in February 2025.

In a recent clash with Sparta Rotterdam, Feyenoord suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat at home. Despite a valiant effort from Van Persie’s son, Shaqueel, who netted two goals, the team couldn’t avoid the setback and fell further behind PSV in the race for the Eredivisie title.

Reflecting on the challenges, Van Persie shared insights into his coaching philosophy. “I look at the training sessions, the matches, and how the players fulfill their roles, especially their intentions,” he remarked. He acknowledged room for improvement, emphasizing the importance of commitment in both defense and attack. “I want to see an intention to perform duties well,” he explained, noting that his selections are based on these observations.

He added: ‘I look at the training sessions, the matches, and how the players fulfill their roles. Especially their intentions.

‘I think there’s plenty of room to improve on certain points. I want to see an intention in defence and attack to perform your duties well. I judge it based on that, and that’s why I’m choosing others now.’

Robin van Persie (right) has been accused of failing to ‘protect’ his players by Feyenoord star Quinten Timber (left)

Van Persie said he left the midfielder, who is close to leaving the club, out of the squad for the clash with Sparta Rotterdam due to training standards

Timber, who is believed to be close to leaving the club, said in response to his manager’s comments: ‘I think it’s a shame what the coach said, that it happened this way. It’s happened a few times now that the coach doesn’t protect the player.

‘You can have an opinion, but say it to my face. This was the limit.’

Timber continued: ‘Everyone at the club knows I give everything in the match, and I did that today. If I have to play at right back, I do it for my team. You can put any player in front of the camera and they’ll say the same thing.

‘It feels like a charade. It’s like I’m doing nothing. There’s a lot going on, a lot of emotion involved, including the fans who aren’t happy with me. That’s never fun.

‘It’s always been my intention not to leave the club with nothing. I want to get out. But let’s not pretend I’m not working or doing nothing. Everyone at the club knows it’s different.

‘I find it disappointing that it’s being said like this. It’s not the first time. I let it go once, let it go twice, but this time I’m standing up for myself.’ 

Van Persie was then asked on Timber’s words after the game, and said: ‘If I see that you don’t have the intention to carry out those duties, I assess that based on the training sessions and matches, then I make choices based on players who do have that intention. I always want to see that you have the intention to defend back. Sometimes you give a bad pass, but I thought that was important.

‘I’m not satisfied with that with Quinten, that’s why I’m choosing others.’

Former Manchester United and Arsenal man van Persie took up coaching after retiring in 2019

Asked if Timber has a future at the club, the former Premier League winner said: ‘If you ask me, no, but I’m not the only one who thinks so. I also think a solution will be found.’

Van Persie made headlines in 2012 when he quit Arsenal for Manchester United, where he would go onto win the Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson.

After retiring in 2019, he would go onto manage at Heerenveen, before taking over at Feyenoord.

Last month, he jumped over advertising hoardings to confront his side’s own supporters after a defeat against his former club.

Following a brief exchange, the Dutchman appeared to raise his hands to signal an apology to the home fans before returning to the dressing room. 

But speaking post-match, Van Persie admitted his players’ performance was far from good enough. 

‘This is painful, disappointing and not good enough,’ he told ESPN. ‘Not from my side either, I’m the head coach. The fans deserve a Feyenoord team that plays better, defends better and attacks better. 

‘I think it’s only natural that supporters show their emotions. That’s their right. It’s important to let go of that emotion as quickly as possible, even if it’s difficult because you’re so disappointed. I think I should be there and give them a platform to express their emotions and frustration.’