Robin van Persie retains the support of Feyenoord's hierarchy despite growing fan frustration after a goalless draw with FC Volendam effectively handed the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven. The result leaves Feyenoord 17 points behind PSV, who were confirmed as champions.
Feyenoord's travelling supporters voiced their displeasure at the final whistle, chanting 'shame on you' after a third draw in four league games. The team are now just one point ahead of NEC in the race for second place, which secures automatic Champions League qualification.
Van Persie, who was booked for protesting a penalty decision, admitted the performance was not good enough. 'It certainly wasn't fantastic, we need to defend better and we should have created more,' he told ESPN. However, he defended his players' effort, saying: 'They worked hard, everyone saw that.'
Raheem Sterling, signed on a free transfer from Chelsea in January, started on the wing but fired his only chance wide. The 31-year-old has managed just one assist in six Eredivisie appearances. Van Persie, who pushed for Sterling's signing, has urged patience, but midfielder Luciano Valente acknowledged the team's struggles: 'We made some wrong choices, I did too at one point. We need to be sharper.'
Despite the pressure, Van Persie remains focused on securing Champions League football. 'Our Champions League project, however, I do state that it is important for the club,' he said. Feyenoord are second in the table, but Valente admitted the fans' anger is understandable: 'We are second, it is clear that the game isn't great. The emotions are logical.'
