Dick Advocaat returns to Feyenoord to support manager Robin van Persie in advisory role

Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old Dutch football coach, is returning to Feyenoord in an advisory role. He will support and advise under-fire head coach Robin van Persie until the end of the season.

Advocaat has had a very long and successful career as a coach, including periods as the Netherlands national team manager and at numerous clubs both domestically and abroad. He previously managed Feyenoord from 2019 to 2021 and maintains strong ties to the club and Van Persie. He recently resigned as Curaçao’s national team coach to take care of his daughter as she suffers from an illness, after leading the nation to its first-ever World Cup, which freed him up for this new assignment.

Van Persie has been under significant pressure recently, with fans unveiling banners and chanting for the 42-year-old to leave on Sunday after his side had gone 1-0 behind to Excelsior. Two goals from Ayase Ueda eventually turned the game around, resulting in a victory for Van Persie’s side.

Feyenoord are currently in second place, 16 points behind champions-elect PSV, and are embroiled in a battle for second place, which guarantees a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season.

On Sunday, the Rotterdammers face their arch-rivals, Ajax, who are five points behind Feyenoord. Ajax recently appointed their third first-team manager, Oscar Garcia. The Spaniard follows Fred Grim and John Heitinga as the first team manager this season. Garcia made a convincing start on Saturday with a 4-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam.

Advocaat will operate in the background, without an official staff title or a regular place in the dugout, focusing instead on providing Van Persie with tactical and strategic guidance.

“I want to assist Feyenoord, and Robin van Persie especially, in ending this season on a high note,” Advocaat stated when his short-term advisory role was revealed, underlining his commitment to supporting both Van Persie and the club during the season’s final stretch. “I’ve known Robin for nearly 20 years, and we’ve always had a strong bond.”

In December 2025, Advocaat publicly commented that Van Persie’s media appearances following a 2‑0 defeat to Ajax were a bit awkward, suggesting that Van Persie should exercise more caution in his remarks and when criticizing players publicly.