Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie gave an emotional interview after he clashed with his own fans following their defeat to Heerenveen on Wednesday evening.
Van Persie's Feyenood side enjoyed a terrific start to their Eredivisie campaign as they went unbeaten in their opening nine matches, recording eight wins and a draw in that time.
However, their unbeaten run in the Dutch top tier came to an end in October when they were defeated by PSV and the wheels have fallen off since then. Feyenoord have won just three of their last seven matches as they've fallen well behind PSV in the race for the title.
The Dutch giants have also struggled in Europe. They failed to qualify for the Champions League after losing to Fenerbahce in the qualifying rounds and have been beaten in five of their seven Europa League matches.
Things went from bad to worse for Van Persie and his Feyenoord side on Wednesday evening as they were knocked out of the KNVB Cup by Heerenveen. Jacob Trenskow found the net in the 90th minute to give the away team a 3-2 victory and dump Van Persie's side out of the competition.
The home fans inside the Stadion Feijenoord were livid following the match and Van Persie jumped over the advertising boards to confront them. Footage of the moment has gone viral and you can watch it below.
Van Persie Speaks Out After Feyenoord's KNVB Exit to Heerenveen
Robin van Persie
Van Persie addressed his heated altercation with his own supporters in an emotional interview following the match. Van Persie told ESPN, per the Mirror:
"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.
"I think it's only natural that supporters show their emotions. That's their right. It's important to let go of that emotion as quickly as possible, even if it's difficult because you're so disappointed. I think I should be there and give them a platform to express their emotions and frustration."
Van Persie also said it's 'a real shame' to hear that some fans want him sacked. He added: "I'd love nothing more than to see Feyenoord do well and our supporters happy. I have an important role to play in making them proud of Feyenoord. I'll do everything I can to turn things around, just for the fans.
"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. We need to create much more, be more secure on the ball, and defend better...
"It wasn't good enough (against Ajax). We gave the goals away too easily. That's partly my fault. We need to prepare the boys even better for what's to come."
What Next For Robin van Persie and Feyenoord
Feyenoord players
Van Persie, regarded as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history, is under serious pressure at Feyenoord and time is running out for him to turn his side's fortunes around. De club aan de Maas are next in action on Sunday December 21 when they welcome Twente to Stadion Feijenoord for a crucial Eredivisie clash.
Feyenood are currently nine points behind PSV in the race for the title and desperately need a win to keep their slim hopes of a 17th Eredivisie title alive. That will be their final game of 2025 as Dutch football embarks on a winter break. Their first game of 2026 will come against Van Persie's former side, Heerenveen, on Sunday January 11.