Manchester United icon Robin van Persie has found himself coming in for early criticism in his new role as Heerenveen manager, for trying to play like Manchester City.
FEAN Online cover comments from analyst Hans Kraay Junior today on the Manchester United icon, whose coaching career is not starting off well.
Van Persie moved into coaching after bringing his career to an end in 2019 following spells with Feyenoord, Arsenal, Manchester United and Fenerbahce.
He started out at former club Feyenoord, working as a forward coach, then technical coach before becoming manager of the various youth sides at the Dutch club.
The former striker then made the step up into senior management this summer, joining Heerenveen in a surprise appointment back in July.
He’s only managed five games in the Eredivisie so far, but it’s been a mixed bag to say the least, with one 4-0 win to his name, three defeats and a 1-1 draw.
The biggest of those defeats was a humiliating 9-1 loss to AZ Alkmaar earlier this month that saw the home side run riot and score seven second half goals.
A result such as that means criticism will be forthcoming for the manager and Kraay is happy to oblige, questioning why the Manchester United icon is trying to play like Manchester City.
“I also think Van Persie is a fresh, cheerful, adventurous world star, who suddenly ended up in Heerenveen to give the club a lift. Only: are we allowed to be critical of him? Yes, right?” he said.
“If you want to build up such a risk with players who cannot do that, it is not a problem if you indicate at 4-1: ‘Guys, now let’s play the long ball!’
“You also have to protect your team, right? Robin wants to play Manchester City football with SC Heerenveen players. We can be quite critical about that.”
