Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie jumped over advertising hoardings to confront his own supporters on Wednesday night after the Dutch side slumped to yet another defeat.
The former Man United and Arsenal forward has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid a dismal run of form which has seen Feyenoord go nine points adrift of Eredivisie leaders PSV.
And last night his woes were compounded as Feyenoord crashed out of the KNVB Cup at home against Heerenveen, the club at which Van Persie began his coaching career.
After an even contest under the lights in Rotterdam, the 42-year-old was dealt a hammer blow in added time when Jacob Trenskow slotted home to seal a win for Heerenveen.
The defeat was Feyenoord’s eighth in 11 games and, following the final whistle, the home supporters struggled to conceal their frustration.
As fans hurled abuse and jeers at his players, Van Persie vaulted over an advertising board to confront the Feyenoord fans in an attempt to ease tensions.
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie jumped over advertising hoardings to confront supporters after yet another loss
Feyenoord slumped to their eighth defeat in 11 games in the KNVB Cup
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.’
Giving viewers an insight into his exchange with supporters, the boss added: ‘I’d love nothing more than to see Feyenoord do well and our supporters happy.
‘I have an important role to play in making them proud of Feyenoord. I’ll do everything I can to turn things around, just for the fans.’
Feyenoord slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the Amsterdam Arena on Sunday against Ajax in their most recent league fixture.
The home side secured all three points thanks to goals from Davy Klaasen and Jorthy Moko, with Van Persie once again vowing to turn Feyenoord’s fortunes around afterwards.
Robin Van Persie tried to ease tensions with Feyenoord fans after his side slumped to a 3-2 loss against Heerenveen in the Dutch cup
He eventually trudged back towards the changing rooms and appeared to apologise to fans
‘Things haven’t been going our way, but we deserve it with our style of play,’ he said.
‘We need to create much more, be more secure on the ball, and defend better… It wasn’t good enough (against Ajax). We gave the goals away too easily. That’s partly my fault. We need to prepare the boys even better for what’s to come.’
Van Persie and Feyenoord are next in action with a crucial clash against FC Twente on Sunday.
