Van Persie Disappointed with Feyenoord's Performance Against Braga
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie expresses disappointment with his team's performance in 1-0 loss to Braga in UEFA Europa League opener.
“I'm really annoyed about that. Our defence was substandard at that moment. I find that very frustrating...”
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie expressed his disappointment with the team's performance against Braga, saying, “We were powerless.” He described the match as “boring,” especially in the first half, when Feyenoord failed to create a single serious chance. Van Persie fielded a drastically changed side, giving seven different players starts, including Casper Tengstedt, Goncalo Borges, and Malcolm Jeng, who all got their first starts.
Van Persie admitted that his team's attacking play was lacking, stating, “Not much happened. We didn't give away much defensively, but the tempo overall was very slow. In that case, I'm mostly looking at us. We were powerless going forward.” The team's inability to create scoring opportunities was evident, with the attack consisting of newcomers Gouassou Diarra, Tengstedt, and Borges failing to make an impact.
“Especially if you look at the first half, it was boring,” Robin van Persie told Ziggo Sport after the game.
“Not much happened. We didn't give away much defensively, but the tempo overall was very slow. In that case, I'm mostly looking at us. We were powerless going forward - I was looking at a match of which I was wondering when it was starting.”
Feyenoord ended the first half with just four total shots, one of which was on target. “During half-time, I indicated that there were definitely opportunities. Then you have to move more yourself. Now it was too static.”
Loss in Portugal.#scbfey • #UEL pic.twitter.com/mtLAJRGfqu
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) September 24, 2025
Van Persie Criticizes Feyenoord's Goal Concession
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, particularly the way they conceded Braga's opening goal. “After an hour, things improved somewhat, but overall it was a disappointing evening. It was also disappointing how we conceded the 1-0,” Van Persie said. The goal came from a low cross, and Van Persie was unimpressed with the defensive lapse that led to it, involving Tsuyoshi Watanabe and Navarro.
The defensive mistake allowed Braga to take the lead, and Feyenoord struggled to create clear-cut chances in response. Van Persie's comments highlight the need for improvement in the team's defensive organization and awareness.
“I'm really annoyed about that. Our defence was substandard at that moment. I find that very frustrating.”
Centre-half Anel Ahmedhodzic shared Van Persie's disappointment. “We also gave away the goal far too cheaply, really far too cheaply.”
Van Persie Explains Team Changes and Post-Match Analysis
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie fielded a significantly altered lineup against Braga, giving seven new players their chance in the starting XI. This decision was made after analyzing past matches and considering the upcoming schedule, as Van Persie explained: “We always look at past matches and the upcoming period.” The changes included starting Casper Tengstedt, Goncalo Borges, and Malcolm Jeng, all of whom made their first starts for the team.
Despite the changes, Feyenoord struggled to create scoring opportunities, with Van Persie noting, “Haven't had a serious chance.” The team's inability to pose a significant threat on the Braga goal ultimately coontributed to their 1-0 loss.
“Outsiders don't know if the players are reaching their limits. Ayase (Ueda) was actually happy to get some rest. We have a hectic schedule. With such a big squad, I think it makes sense to give other players a chance.”
Robin van Persie expressed his disappointment with Feyenoord's attack in the match against Braga, stating, "We haven't had a serious chance." The attacking trio of Gouassou Diarra, Casper Tengstedt, and Gonçalo Borges, all newcomers, failed to make a significant impact, leaving Van Persie unimpressed with their performance. Despite giving the players a chance, Van Persie felt they didn't meet his expectations, particularly in terms of creating scoring opportunities.
The attacking trio of Gouassou Diarra, Casper Tengstedt, and Gonçalo Borges struggled to make an impact in the match against Braga. Diarra took three shots that all missed the target and completed just three of his eight attempted dribbles. Tengstedt failed to take a single shot on goal, recording only 14 touches in 62 minutes. Borges had a similarly underwhelming performance, taking one poor shot, completing three of six dribbles, and winning just six of his 14 duels.
Ultimately, none of the forwards managed to create a single scoring chance for Feyenoord, highlighting the team's struggles in the attacking third.
https://t.co/9wdq0vYkTP pic.twitter.com/7Kag8pJyiR
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) September 24, 2025
Post-Match Analysis:
- Van Persie's Verdict: Van Persie was disappointed with the way Feyenoord conceded the goal, saying, “It was also disappointing how we conceded the 1-0... Our defence was substandard at that moment. I find that very frustrating.”
- Player Ratings: Malcolm Jeng, who made his debut, was praised by fans for his performance, with some considering it a strong debut. On the other hand, Tengstedt didn't take a single shot at goal and recorded just 14 touches in 62 minutes.
- Upcoming Matches: Feyenoord's next challenge will be against Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa League on October 2, followed by a match against Panathinaikos Athens on October 23.
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