Robin van Persie (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
SC Heerenveen expresses disappointment after Robin van Persie leaves the club midseason to become Feyenoord’s head coach, taking key staff members with him.
SC Heerenveen has expressed disappointment following Robin van Persie’s decision to leave the club and join Feyenoord as head coach. The move, confirmed on Sunday, February 23, comes less than a year after Van Persie signed a three-year contract with Heerenveen, leaving the club searching for a new manager midway through the season.
“Robin informed us that he couldn’t pass up this unique opportunity at Feyenoord,” said Heerenveen’s director, Ferry de Haan, on the club’s official website. “While we understand his ambition, the timing is highly inconvenient. We started this journey together, and we would have loved to finish the current season.”
Van Persie’s departure isn’t the only blow to Heerenveen’s coaching staff. Assistant coach Brian Pinas and video analyst Yori Bosschaart have also followed Van Persie to Feyenoord. Meanwhile, goalkeeper coach Frans Hoek, who joined Heerenveen at Van Persie’s request in January, has also left the club, though he will not be joining Feyenoord.
Despite the abrupt exit, Heerenveen extended well wishes to their former coach: “Although his time with us was brief, we wish Robin all the best in Rotterdam. As for us, we will immediately begin the search for a new coaching staff.”
Until a permanent replacement is found, assistant coach Henk Brugge will take charge as interim manager.