Feyenoord make decision on Robin van Persie’s future after fans chanted ‘Robin get lost’ with Raheem Sterling’s team miles behind in the title race

Feyenoord bosses have chosen to back Robin van Persie following a crunch summit after the Man United legend was hit by brutal chants from his own supporters over the weekend. 

The Dutch giants have decided to stick with Van Persie, 42, despite the manager overseeing a lacklustre season in which the club have barely laid a glove on rivals PSV in the title race.

Feyenoord are 2nd in Eredivisie but Sunday’s 3-3 draw again 10-man NAC saw them drift 19 points behind the reigning champions, leading to anger among the travelling supporters.

Van Persie was told in no uncertain terms how the fanbase feels about him, with supporters heard chanting: ‘Robin, get lost’. 

But according to Dutch outlet VI, Van Persie is not going anywhere. A meeting among the Feyenoord board on Monday saw chiefs discussing the current state of affairs, with the 42-year-old’s future at the club debated.

However, the meeting concluded with the agreement that Van Persie will remain in the dugout for the team’s home match against Excelsior on Sunday. If he is still in the post after that game, Feyenoord then face Ajax in the Klassieker. 

Pressure is mounting on the Dutchman after his side’s 3-3 draw at the weekend

Asked about fan discontent after the draw at relegation strugglers NAC, Van Persie told ESPN: ‘I’ve heard it too, yes, but I’ve developed a thick skin over the years. 

‘This is part of it. It doesn’t get through, no. I make every decision for Feyenoord. I understand the emotions, but the meaning of the word supporter is that you support your club through thick and thin. Some supporters choose to express it that way.’ 

The former Arsenal and Man United star revealed how his experiences dealing with fan criticism as a player has made him well-equipped to deal with the boo boys as a manager.

‘Back then, I also had to deal with criticism,’ he added. ‘I always persevered and overcame everything. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; I can understand it. 

‘When I look back as a player, not everything went perfectly. I also had learning moments and made mistakes. But I always persevered. And I’m still the same Robin van Persie.’ 

He reiterated that he remains the right man for the job and better days are to come.

‘I’m not running away, not as a player and not as a manager. And I believe in myself, the club, and my way of working. These chants don’t change my intentions. 

‘I thought we played well, we scored good goals and had good build-up play. But we need to defend better against corners and crosses. That’s the only blemish on this match. Because if you look at how we defend as a team, that makes me very happy.’