Feyenoord Faces Challenges Amidst Injury Woes and Pressure

Feyenoord is currently facing more challenges than a few weeks ago.

Shortly after securing their first European points, the Rotterdam club suffered their first league loss. Although they managed to bounce back against FC Volendam, two subsequent defeats followed—one in Europe and another against Go Ahead Eagles. Despite showing good football, the team’s performance has hit a snag. Even under Robin van Persie’s leadership, Feyenoord finds itself experiencing difficulties reminiscent of the Brian Priske era.

Internally, Feyenoord had expected a commendable start to the season. In his first full season as manager, Robin van Persie led the club to the top of the Eredivisie by matchday four. This success was largely due to the stellar performances of Ayase Ueda, a formidable midfield bolstered by summer signings Sem Steijn and Luciano Valente, and an almost impregnable defense featuring Anel Ahmedhodzic and Tsuyoshi Watanabe.

However, the squad is currently under strain. Last season had its share of challenges, particularly due to numerous injuries that hindered Priske’s progress as a coach. Not once did he have his best eleven available for selection. In the 2024-2025 season, twenty-four squad players suffered injuries in Rotterdam, with several sidelined for extended periods. Players like Ueda, Jordan Lotomba, and In-beom Hwang missed over a month of action.

Van Persie ultimately replaced Priske mid-season. As injured players gradually returned to the squad, the new Feyenoord manager managed to salvage what appeared to be a lost season, guiding the team to a third-place finish—eleven points behind champions PSV—and securing participation in the Europa League. Even a spot in the Champions League remained a possibility.

The recent string of injuries has come at an inconvenient time for Feyenoord. As crucial matches in the Europa League approach, it is essential for the club to enter the winter break in a strong position, ideally maintaining their current second place. The injury list bears striking similarities to last season’s woes. Nevertheless, Van Persie remains optimistic, stating, “You have to view them as separate issues,” during a press conference ahead of the away match against VfB Stuttgart.

It is clear that Feyenoord’s squad is under pressure. Fortunately, the international break has arrived, allowing most of the squad to rest. However, many players will be away on international duty when they could also benefit from a break. Timber and Valente are with the Netherlands, while Ueda and Watanabe will join the Japanese national team this week. Leo Sauer has been called up for Slovakia, and Targhalline will represent Morocco. Anis Hadj Moussa is set to play for Algeria, Cyle Larin will travel with Canada, and Gaoussou Diarra is scheduled for a friendly with Mali. Van Persie will be hoping for the safe return of these players from their international commitments.