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Van Persie dismissed after 16 months as Feyenoord coach

BBC Sport European Football •
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Feyenoord announced the termination of Robin van Persie's contract after just 16 months at the helm. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker steered the Rotterdam side to a second‑place finish and secured Champions League qualification in his only full season, yet remained 19 points adrift of champions PSV Eindhoven.

The decision follows a comprehensive internal review conducted by newly appointed technical director Devy Rigaux and general manager Robert Eenhoorn. Rigaux praised Van Persie's effort but cited a declining points trend and unsatisfactory evolution of playing style as reasons to seek a fresh start before the new campaign begins.

Van Persie's ties to Feyenoord run deep: 46 goals in 122 appearances across two playing spells, a stint as Dick Advocaat’s assistant, and work with the club’s youth set‑up. His abrupt exit underscores the club’s ambition to convert European qualification into consistent domestic dominance.