Robin Van Persie insists he’s ‘not traumatised’ after new Heerenveen boss suffers record 9-1 defeat in Dutch top flight as he admits he’s been through it before with Arsenal’s 8-2 loss to Man United
Robin van Persie, the rookie manager of Heerenveen, said he learned more than expected after his team suffered a record 9-1 defeat in the Dutch league on Saturday. However, he has no plans to change his approach.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker is in his first season as manager of a top club and in his fourth game as manager his team suffered their worst ever defeat at AZ Alkmaar.
“This is tough. You’re going to have some bumps in your career. This was a really big bump. We learned more from this game than we normally would,” said Van Persie, who has won one game, drawn one and now lost two games in the new league season after being appointed as the club’s coach.
“This is part of football. I’m not traumatized by it and neither are my players. You want to get the best out of yourself. That means falling and getting back up.”
Van Persie is no stranger to such a big loss, having already lost 8-2 to Manchester United during his time at Arsenal.
Robin van Persie’s Heerenveen suffered a 9-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie
“I know how it works too,” he said. “I also lost 8-2 to Manchester United once,” Van Persie added. “That wasn’t nice either, but it’s part of life as a footballer. It’s part of everyone’s journey to become the best version of themselves.
‘It’s a path of trial and error, but ultimately it’s precisely at these moments that it’s about embracing it like a little boy. Towards the boys, the media, your family and friends. The world of football can be quite a tough world. A lot of people like it when things are going badly. You have to make that your own. It’s very easy to be happy and put on music when you win a game. Then everyone is at their best.
“It’s about standing with your chest out in these situations and being proud of yourself and each other. That’s what we have to keep doing. We stay ourselves, even when things get tough. That’s what I believe in and what the boys believe in.”
Van Persie, who played more than 100 international matches for the Netherlands, thought Heerenveen played well in the first half, despite being 2-1 down at half-time.
Van Persie’s fourth match as national coach saw his team suffer its worst ever defeat at AZ Alkmaar
‘Then it is important that you start the second half well and sharply. But the third, fourth and fifth goals against came in quick succession. For AZ that was oil on the fire, they saw their chance’, according to Van Persie.
It was a record victory for AZ, which is two points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Van Persie told reporters afterwards that he had no intention of giving up his attacking philosophy.
The Dutch manager admitted he had experienced this before, with Arsenal’s 8-2 defeat to United
‘Even if things don’t go the way you want, with three goals in quick succession in the second half, it is important to keep to the agreements.
“We will continue to play our own game. I believe in that and we believe in that. The next chance is against FC Twente on Tuesday,” he said, referring to Heerenveen’s next league match, which is again away.
