Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie is poised for appointment as Feyenoord head coach.
Former Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has opened up about the crucial role legendary Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger played in shaping his career trajectory.
As Van Persie prepares for his appointment as Feyenoord head coach, he has reflected on his transformation from a fiery young player to a composed leader ready to take on a managerial role.
The Dutch man, who won the Premier League with Manchester United, has reportedly reached an agreement with the Dutch giants to take over as head coach.
Ahead of his managerial debut, the former Dutch international shared insights into his personal and professional growth, crediting Wenger for guiding him through a turbulent phase in his career.
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Speaking in a recent interview with High Performance, Van Persie recounted his early struggles with emotional control on the pitch.
“I had arguments with coaches where, looking back now, I think, ‘Ah, Robin, you should have done better there.’ I was quite impulsive when I was younger—in my reactions, the way I was talking, the way I was behaving, and the way I was playing,” he admitted.
The former Arsenal star recalled how his emotions often got the better of him, leading to frequent clashes with opponents and referees.
“At one point, I realized that every game was such a struggle, and I didn’t want that. Opponents figured out that if they triggered me—whether through words or actions—they could get me sent off,” he explained.
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It was a realization that took years to fully embrace. His wife played a pivotal role in helping him shift his mindset, advising him to “choose his battles.”
This advice, coupled with Wenger’s guidance, helped him control his emotions and focus on the bigger picture.
Van Persie credited Wenger for helping him evolve both as a footballer and as a person.
“I also spoke to Arsene Wenger about this, and once I started implementing these changes, everything became lighter. For years, it felt heavy, but I realized I was the one making it heavy. It just took me a few years to fully understand that,” he said.
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Under Wenger’s mentorship, Van Persie refined his approach, learning to channel his emotions constructively.
his change not only improved his performances but also made his footballing journey more enjoyable.
Van Persie, who began his professional career with Feyenoord in 2002, made an emotional return to the Eredivisie side in 2018 after a decade-long career with Arsenal and Manchester United.
His time in the Premier League saw him lift the title with United in the 2012-13 season.
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Following his retirement in 2019, he transitioned into coaching, joining Feyenoord’s backroom staff in 2020 as a forward and technical coach under then-manager Arne Slot.
His commitment to learning the ropes of management has now positioned him as the ideal candidate to take over as head coach in 2025.
As he steps into his first major managerial role, Van Persie will look to apply the lessons he learned from Wenger, his own experiences, and his personal evolution to lead Feyenoord to success.
The side currently places 4th on the log with 40 points, 14 points adrift the summit where Ajax lead with 54 points.
