Robin van Persie, one of the most talented footballers of his generation, is back in the spotlight—but this time as a manager rather than a player. The Dutch legend, who dazzled fans with spells at Feyenoord, Arsenal, and Manchester United, now leads Feyenoord as they prepare to host Celtic in a pivotal Europa League group-stage match at De Kuip in Rotterdam on Thursday, 27 November at 17:45 GMT.
Fans can follow live coverage on BBC Radio Scotland Extra & Sounds, as well as live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
Van Persie: From World-Class Player to Managerial Challenge
Van Persie’s playing career was nothing short of spectacular. Known for his lethal left foot and technical brilliance, he left an indelible mark at club and international level. His near-triumph with the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg remains one of football’s iconic moments.
However, his transition into management has been more challenging. Since taking the reins at Feyenoord in February—following the dismissal of Arne Slot’s replacement, Brian Priske—Van Persie has faced mixed fortunes. While an immediate improvement followed his appointment, recent weeks have been rocky.
At Heerenveen, his only previous managerial role, he won just nine of 26 matches, and even at Feyenoord, the club has lost four of its past five games, including a damaging Europa League defeat against Stuttgart, leaving them below Celtic in the group standings. Their domestic form has also suffered; a 4-2 home loss to NEC Nijmegen saw Feyenoord squander a halftime lead, highlighting inconsistencies that Van Persie must now address.
“This isn’t typical of us,” Van Persie admitted after the defeat. “When you play that well, it’s hard to swallow. I thought we were good against Stuttgart, but you lose in the closing stage.”
Van Persie Brings Family into the Mix
Adding a personal touch to the fixture, Van Persie named his 19-year-old son, Shaqheel Van Persie, on the bench for the first time in a first-team squad. The pair have previously worked together in Feyenoord’s youth setup.
“Of course it’s special, but ultimately, I don’t favour him or disadvantage him because he’s my son,” Van Persie said. “I treat him like any other player.”
Feyenoord vs Celtic: Europa League Stakes High
Both Feyenoord and Celtic enter this fixture desperate for points. Feyenoord, currently trailing their domestic rivals PSV Eindhoven by six points in the Eredivisie, cannot afford another slip-up. Celtic, meanwhile, aim to maintain momentum despite an injury crisis.
Key players to watch include Feyenoord’s top scorer, Ayase Ueda, who has netted 13 goals in 18 appearances, and winger Anis Hadji Moussa, stepping up after a loan spell at Vitesse. Sam Steijn, the £8.8m summer signing and current captain, will also be crucial, along with Slovakia’s Leo Sauer, who has featured in all of his country’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Both sides are missing important personnel. Feyenoord are without Givairo Read and Canada full-back Cyle Larin, while Celtic continue to manage their injury-hit squad.
A Historic Echo of Past European Battles
While this encounter doesn’t carry the same magnitude as the 1970 European Cup final—when Jock Stein’s Lisbon Lions lost 2-1 to Feyenoord after taking the lead—it is nonetheless critical. The Europa League group stage can pivot on single results, and Van Persie is acutely aware of the stakes. A victory or defeat here could dramatically impact both teams’ chances of progressing to the knockout phase.
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