Feyenoord’s seasoned analyst, Willem van Hanegem, has stirred anticipation within the football community by claiming that if Robin van Persie had been appointed head coach from the onset, the team would likely have secured the championship in the current Eredivisie season. Speaking on the Willem & Wessel Podcast, Van Hanegem reflected on Feyenoord's recent thrashing of FC Twente, which ended in a remarkable 6-2 victory on March 16, 2025. "It was the best match of the season, although that also had something to do with the opponent," he stated regarding the impressive performance at Enschede.
Van Hanegem’s remarks weren’t just an analysis of one game but a broader commentary on the team’s struggles this season. He stressed, "The deficit is too great; otherwise, Feyenoord would have been champions. If Van Persie had been head coach from the beginning, that chance was there." His confidence resonates with fans who believe in the squad’s potential, especially after such a convincing victory over FC Twente.
Feyenoord currently seems to be contending for the third place in the league, a situation that Van Hanegem believes can be navigated successfully given the recent performances. "Confidence is the most important thing there is. You can also ask yourself: why are they doing this only now?" he emphasized, highlighting a series of ups and downs throughout the season. His critique of their earlier performance draws attention to their surprising success in the UEFA Champions League, where they faced formidable opponents.
Looking ahead, Van Hanegem expressed optimism about the team’s structure for the next season, especially the likelihood of maintaining a core group of players. Referring to Igor Paixao, who is reportedly attracting interest from Napoli, he voiced his belief that Paixao would stay with the club. "And I think that the left winger isn’t going anywhere," Van Hanegem predicted confidently.
In addition to Paixao’s situation, the name Sem Steijn has increasingly emerged in discussions regarding new signings for Feyenoord. The promising forward is expected to command a transfer fee of around ten million euros, a sum that Van Hanegem believes is reasonable by today’s standards. "That’s not so much anymore, is it?" he remarked, as speculation surrounding Steijn's transfer continues to gain momentum.
Van Hanegem's enthusiasm about the potential signing underlines a broader optimism stretching throughout the Feyenoord fan base. As discussions about the upcoming season grow, all eyes will be on how the club builds upon recent successes and navigates challenges both on and off the pitch. With head coach duties still a critical topic of conversation, many will be eager to see how Van Persie’s involvement evolves in the context of the club where he made waves as a player.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the anticipation for potential new acquisitions like Steijn adds an extra layer of excitement for fans. With Van Hanegem's assurances of a strong squad laced with talent and ambition, it appears that the team is positioning itself to take a more aggressive stance in the league moving forward. The fans hope that with decisive moves in the transfer market, Feyenoord can restore their previous glory and aim for higher accolades.
In conclusion, while Van Hanegem's statements may evoke different sentiments among supporters regarding past and present coaching decisions, there’s a unified hope that Feyenoord can harness their recent momentum to climb higher in the league. With significant matches on the horizon and potential squad reinforcements, the future looks promising, albeit with the weight of expectations resting heavily on the players' shoulders.
