In Rotterdam, they also mention PSV as a reason for dismissal.

Despite a second place with Feyenoord, the club leadership of the Rotterdammers decided to say goodbye to coach Robin van Persie. Van Persie managed to qualify for the Champions League after a difficult season, but in doing so they still finished at a stretch of road-length behind league champions PSV.

PSV became the earliest champions ever on 5 April after a draw between Feyenoord and FC Volendam (0-0), and moreover the team coached by Peter Bosz finished with a lead of nineteen points over the team from Rotterdam-South. For Feyenoord, this was reason enough to say goodbye to RVP.

''We have found from an extensive analysis that the trend was downward in the past season and that the gap with PSV widened. Therefore, we have decided not to go any further with Robin,'' says the new technical director Devy Rigaux during a press conference, as quoted by Voetbalzone.

At that press conference, Feyenoord presented Giovanni van Bronckhorst as the new head coach. Van Bronckhorst was already a coach in De Kuip from 2015 to 2019 and is now therefore returning to his old home.

Also the brand-new coach of the Rotterdammers has his own opinion about the dismissal of the former top striker. ''I had a fantastic time as a player with Robin in Oranje and of course myself at Feyenoord, so I followed it all closely'', Gio says.

''That’s happened as it has happened; I had no influence over it. But the feeling he has now is, of course, very familiar to me—being relieved of your position. I experienced that with Rangers and Besiktas, and that’s not what you want. Unfortunately, that comes with being the head coach. I think Robin is strong enough to get through this and turn it into an advantage for his future as a coach'', continues the former Oranje captain.

After being dismissed, the newly appointed head coach tried to get in touch with his former teammate. ''He was busy eating dinner in a nice restaurant, so that conversation will take place next week. We naturally have a past and a bond with each other, so I think it’s important to talk with Robin. More as a friend than as a coach'', said Van Bronckhorst.