Robin van Persie confronted angry supporters after his Feyenoord side suffered their eighth defeat in 11 matches, bowing out of the KNVB Cup with a 3-2 loss to Heerenveen. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker leapt over advertising boards at De Kuip to speak directly with fans alongside captain Justin Bijlow.
Feyenoord had equalised with seven minutes remaining but conceded a 90th-minute winner to the club Van Persie left in February. Despite dominating possession with 59% and registering 22 shots to Heerenveen's 10, the defeat marked a third consecutive loss for Van Persie's men.
Supporters voiced their frustration, with some calling for the manager's sacking. Van Persie said: "This is painful, disappointing and not good enough. Not from my side either; I'm the head coach. The fans deserve a Feyenoord team that plays better, defends better and attacks better."
Van Persie acknowledged the fans' right to express emotions but admitted he finds it "a real shame" to hear calls for his dismissal. "I'd love nothing more than to see Feyenoord do well and our supporters happy," he added. "I'll do everything I can to turn things around, just for the fans."
Feyenoord now sit nine points behind Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, while their Europa League hopes are slim having won only one of six group matches, leaving them 30th. Van Persie insisted: "I believe we can and will turn this around. Things haven't been going our way, but we deserve it with our style of play."
