Feyenoord needs to reinforce its squad on at least two positions during the upcoming transfer window, according to manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Speaking to Voetbal International, the coach stated that injuries to Jordan Bos and Gijs Smal have created an urgent need for a new left-back, while additional reinforcement is also desired in the attacking line.
Squad Depth and the Left-Back Crisis at Feyenoord
Van Bronckhorst currently lacks a fully fit specialist on the left side of his defense, following a long-term injury to Jordan Bos and lingering fitness issues for Gijs Smal. According to the Feyenoord manager, internal solutions such as shifting Mika Mármol out of position are far from ideal.
“The left-back position is not optimal after the long-term injury to Jordan Bos, because Gijs Smal is also not fit yet,” Van Bronckhorst told Voetbal International. “We do have options within the squad and can, for example, shift with Mika Mármol, but then you also pull him away from the spot where we prefer to see him: centrally in the defense.”
The manager emphasized that shuffling players creates a problem across multiple lines of the team. “The goal is to have a squad in which all positions are doubly occupied, so that we don’t have to shift,” Van Bronckhorst explained. “Because if you do that, you often create a problem in two places immediately. Also up front, something may be added, as far as I’m concerned.”
Reflecting on Robin van Persie’s Tenure and the Pressures of Management
Beyond current roster construction, Van Bronckhorst addressed his relationship with former manager Robin van Persie following his dismissal. The two maintain a close friendship, and Van Bronckhorst reached out after the departure.
“Robin is a friend of mine, so I did call him, yes,” Van Bronckhorst said. “We had a good conversation about what a dismissal does to you as a trainer, because I have experienced that myself.”
Drawing from his own managerial career, Van Bronckhorst acknowledged the immense difficulty Van Persie faced during the previous season due to a heavy injury list. Constant lineup changes eroded team confidence, creating a downward spiral that is hard for a coach to reverse.
“I know it was not easy for Robin last season, certainly because of all the injuries,” Van Bronckhorst stated. “As a result, he constantly had to make choices in his lineup. If you then lose matches, confidence also decreases. That process is very difficult to turn around; I have experienced that myself: perhaps the most difficult part of the coaching profession.”
Evaluating Shaqueel van Persie’s Development
The conversation also shifted to the future of Shaqueel van Persie within the Feyenoord organization. Shifting from the role of a supportive friend to a father, the former Feyenoord striker sought Van Bronckhorst’s professional assessment of the young talent.
“Afterwards it quickly went about Shaqueel and I didn’t speak to him as a friend, but as a father,” Van Bronckhorst recounted. “He was curious how I looked at Shaqueel and whether I saw a future in him. For me that was very clear: of course. He has an enormous amount of talent. Shaqueel can play in multiple positions, scores easily, and in training you clearly see his qualities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Feyenoord need a new left-back?
According to manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the club lacks a fully fit specialist on the left side of the defense due to a long-term injury to Jordan Bos and fitness issues surrounding Gijs Smal.
What did Giovanni van Bronckhorst say about Robin van Persie?
Van Bronckhorst noted that he reached out to his friend after his dismissal, expressing understanding for the difficult choices Van Persie had to make last season amidst widespread injuries and declining squad confidence.
What are Feyenoord’s plans for Shaqueel van Persie?
Van Bronckhorst confirmed that he sees a bright future for Shaqueel van Persie at the club, highlighting the young player’s versatility, goalscoring ability, and clear talent displayed during training sessions.
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