Van Persie named new manager of Heerenveen

Robin van Persie has been named the new coach of Dutch club Heerenveen on a two-year contract that begins in the offseason, with the club stating on Friday that they were impressed by his ambition and passion.

It is Van Persie's first senior coaching position; he previously coached Feyenoord's under-18 team and worked with the first team under Liverpool-bound Arne Slot.

The 40-year-old scored a record 50 goals in 102 appearances for the Netherlands and previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United.

He succeeds Kees van Wonderen at Heerenveen, who can finish no higher than 10th when the Dutch season ends on Sunday, missing out on European club competition the following season.

"Although Robin is at the start of his career as head coach, he immediately convinced us. He is ambitious, passionate and eager to learn. I think he knows how to enthuse and motivate a squad of players,” said general manager Ferry de Haan on the club’s website (sc-heerenveen.nl).

"The coaching profession is comprehensive and challenging, and I’ve practised it with great passion and pleasure,” Van Persie said in a statement on Friday.

"I would like to continue my development and the role of head coach fits in perfectly with that goal. I am therefore pleased with the opportunity that Heerenveen offers me. It is a fantastic challenge to contribute to the sporting ambitions and development of the club,” he added.

SportsLigue