Van Persie Calls Son’s Injury Heartbreaking as Both Trainer and Father
Robin van Persie expressed deep sorrow following Feyenoord’s 2-1 defeat to Real Betis in the Europa League. The loss in Sevilla not only marked the team’s exit from the tournament but also highlighted a personal crisis as his son was injured during the match.
Heartbreaking Injury of Son
During the game, Shaqueel, Van Persie’s son, suffered a severe knee injury after a fall. He had to be assisted off the field on a stretcher due to concerns about overstretching his knee. Van Persie described the moment as “heartbreaking,” indicating that the initial signs of the injury were unsettling.
Van Persie’s Dual Role
As both a father and a coach, Van Persie faced a challenging emotional situation. He commented on the pain of witnessing his son’s injury, stating, “That is heart-wrenching. So much pain… As a coach, and in this unique case as a father, it is truly heartbreaking.”
Tactical Decisions in the Game
In addition to discussing his son’s injury, Van Persie reflected on the team’s performance and tactical lineup. Notably, Aymen Sliti played as a left-back, while Jordan Bos was positioned centrally in defense. Despite the defeat, Van Persie praised his players for their effort:
- “We managed to piece the puzzle together.”
- “The boys performed well.”
- “They showed character and should be proud.”
Van Persie noted that the match was not lost on that night alone, but was a culmination of prior games. His reflections highlight both the challenges of coaching and the personal struggles faced as a parent during such difficult moments.
