Robin van Persie’s return to Feyenoord as head coach has been a whirlwind, but his first Champions League test proved a tough lesson. Just ten days into his tenure, he faced Inter Milan, a club linked to his own playing past. The challenge was immense, and despite an encouraging start, his side now faces an uphill battle after a 2-0 defeat. With a depleted squad, overturning this deficit at San Siro next week will require a monumental effort.
Inter, unfazed by Feyenoord’s early pressure, displayed the experience and composure that so often define Serie A teams in European competition. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez struck clinically on either side of halftime, securing a victory that rarely seemed in doubt. Piotr Zielinski’s missed penalty added to the hosts’ frustrations, and while AC Milan had struggled at De Kuip earlier in the tournament, their city rivals simply looked a level above. With the draw potentially favoring them, Simone Inzaghi’s team may see a clear path ahead.
“The boys gave their all, and I can’t ask for more,” Van Persie said after the match. “I focus on energy, body language, and giving everything on the pitch rather than just results.” His task is to reignite the spirit of Arne Slot’s tenure, but this match showed the scale of the challenge ahead.
Feyenoord’s rich history includes a famous 2002 UEFA Cup semi-final win over Inter at this very stadium. A young Van Persie played a key role in that victory, setting up the first goal. Now, standing on the touchline, he could only watch as his side tried to channel that same energy.
Despite missing 16 players due to injuries and suspensions, Feyenoord started brightly. Ibrahim Osman, on loan from Brighton, tested Inter’s goalkeeper early, while their relentless pressing earned them five corners in the opening 20 minutes. The atmosphere inside De Kuip was electric, but Inter remained composed, with former Feyenoord defender Stefan de Vrij anchoring the visitors’ backline.
Inter’s breakthrough came as Denzel Dumfries, a Rotterdam native, found Nicolò Barella, who sent a teasing cross into the box. Thuram, left unmarked, adjusted his body expertly and volleyed into the net with the outside of his right foot. The goal deflated the hosts, and though Timon Wellenreuther made key saves to deny Martínez and Kristjan Asllani, the second goal felt inevitable.
Five minutes into the second half, it arrived. Alessandro Bastoni, playing an advanced role, combined with Zielinski, who picked out Martínez. The Argentine’s first touch was immaculate, and his finish was even better, sealing Inter’s dominance. Feyenoord tried to respond, with Jakub Moder missing a golden chance after another dangerous run from Osman. Zielinski’s penalty miss, after a VAR-awarded foul on Thuram, only compounded their woes.
Feyenoord’s fans had unfurled a banner before the match reading, “I get knocked down, but I get up again.” Their team showed heart but lacked the cutting edge to make their early pressure count. “We’re in a challenging phase, but that’s not why we lost,” Van Persie insisted. “The players on the pitch are good players, and we believe in them. We’re still in the game.”
His optimism remains, but reviving Feyenoord’s European glory may take more than just belief.
