Robin Van Persie mastered his craft as a complete baller during his playing career. Can he do the same in the dugout? Only time will tell.
The Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker has landed his first first-team management role.
Eredivisie side SC Heerenveen have appointed him as the club’s new manager.
After a heroic playing which climaxed in the Premier League with Arsenal and Manchester United, Robin Van Persie began his managerial career working with Feyenoord youth teams.
He worked under soon-to-be Liverpool manager Arne Slot and was reportedly invited by Erik ten Hag to join his coaching staff at Manchester United – an offer he turned down.
While Van Persie would have opted to join Ten Hag in his former club as a coaching staff, sources close to the legendary forward confirmed he wanted to continue honing his managerial skills in the Dutch league where he has garnered more experience during his playing career and have better prospects of landing a first-team role.
Now, Van Persie’s decision to stay in the Netherlands has yielded results with SC Heerenveen appointing him as new manager despite his lack of experience in first-team management.
In a club statement confirming the appointment of the former Man United forward as manager, Heerenveen technical director Ferry de Hann expressed utmost faith in Van Persie despite his virgin sail in football management.
“Although Robin is at the start of his career as head coach, he immediately convinced us,” de Hann said.
“He is an ambitious, passionate, and eager-to-learn trainer. I think he knows very well how to move a group, how to inspire and He also has a clear vision on the individual development of players, both in team training and in individual guidance,” he added.
Reacting to his appointment, Van Persie expressed his readiness to dive into full football management, adding he is pleased with the opportunity SC Heerenveen have offered him.
“The coaching profession is comprehensive and challenging, and I practice it with great passion and pleasure. I would like to continue my development and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal,” he said.
“I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that SC Heerenveen offers me. SC Heerenveen is a very nice Eredivisie club with a rich tradition and loyal supporters. It is a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club as head coach,” he added
According to reports, SC Heerenveen will officially present Van Persie on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
He replaced outgoing manager Kees van Wonderen who will leave the club after SC Heerenveen’s final match against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, May 19.
The Mirror reports Van Persie has signed a two-year contract with the club till 2026, and has been charged to improve the league position of the club who are currently 10th on the Eredivisie table.
