Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie slams Sterling critics

Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie has strictly defended Raheem Sterling following severe scrutiny regarding the winger’s recent debut performance. During Friday’s media conference preceding the clash with FC Twente, the manager labelled the criticism directed at the Englishman as completely "out of order." Sterling appeared briefly against Telstar last week, marking his first professional appearance since May 2025.

Critics immediately attacked his display, yet Van Persie argued this judgment was unreasonable given Sterling’s significant absence from organized team training. While acknowledging that the blunt feedback was "delightfully Dutch," the coach insisted it lacked necessary context. Sterling played merely thirty minutes following a hiatus of 254 days.

Van Persie emphasized that writing off such a decorated athlete, a player who has secured almost every available trophy, based solely on a short cameo demonstrates a profound lack of understanding. He maintains that expectations must remain realistic regarding his return to speed.