- SC Heerenveen had been knocked out of the KNVB Cup after a 3-2 extra-time defeat
- An ill-fated tactical change left Robin van Persie red-faced after the ultimate whistle
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Are Everton the place they need to be or are the membership’s followers delusional?
Robin van Persie’s ‘illogical’ tactical gamble didn’t repay as his SC Heerenveen aspect crashed out of the KNVB Cup by the hands of novice opponents final evening.
Heerenveen, ninth within the Eredivisie, had been knocked out after a humiliating 3-2 extra-time defeat regardless of main the sport 2-1 earlier than Van Persie’s ill-fated choice.
The top coach, who took cost in Could 2024 in his first managerial function, introduced on goalkeeper Andries Noppert to take care of Fast Boys’ aerial menace however an error from the substitute noticed him give away a penalty, from which the hosts equalised.
Noppert’s embarrassment was then compounded when he was overwhelmed by Levi van Duijn’s header on the loss of life, leaving Heerenveen reeling from a shock setback.
Mickey van der Hart had began the sport between the sticks and delivered a powerful show, forcing Van Persie to disclose post-match that the change was for technical causes and to not permit Noppert a farewell earlier than a possible transfer to Argentina.
‘I appeared on the time left to play, the rating and what they had been going to do,’ mentioned Van Persie. ‘They had been going to play 3-3-4, with two towering strikers. I anticipated quite a lot of crosses. I checked out what we would have liked as a staff. And that was Andries.’
Robin van Persie’s tactical gamble led to his SC Heerenveen aspect crashing out of the KNVB Cup
Eredivisie membership Heerenveen had been knocked out after shedding to amateurs Fast Boys in extra-time
Again-up goalkeeper Andries Noppert was introduced on late on however conceded a penalty
Van Persie did, nevertheless, admit the substitution was uncommon, including: ‘It nearly by no means occurs in soccer, so I perceive that it feels illogical to folks.
‘However the truth that it nearly by no means occurs was no motive for me not to do that. And we have now mentioned this typically with Mickey and Andries in current months.’
Fast Boys’ match winner Van Duijn later claimed that the minnows believed Noppert’s shock introduction was ‘doomed to fail’.
The stopper had final been in motion on November 23 and took to the pitch after a brief warm-up, resulting in theories {that a} lack of rhythm could have led to his errors.
‘That may very well be doable,’ mentioned Van Persie. ‘However alternatively, I do not suppose it was a penalty and with that different objective it was additionally troublesome for Andries to do one thing.
‘You possibly can consider every kind of the reason why that substitution was not a sensible choice. However I primarily have a look at why it was a sensible choice.’
Noppert made no excuses for his efficiency and mentioned he was ‘ashamed’.
‘I had the sensation that I touched the ball and that it was not a penalty,’ he mentioned. ‘Nevertheless it occurred to me. That is unacceptable and a shame. I must be ashamed.
Milan Zonneveld despatched Noppert the fallacious means and the stopper later admitted he was ashamed
Noppert was even humiliated by a Fast Boys supporter throughout a pitch invasion at full-time
Van Persie took cost of Heerenveen in Could 2024, his first managerial function
‘Then you definately search for excuses. I’ve to have a look at myself first. I used to be given the possibility to indicate myself. If that does not work, then it is your individual fault. It is a massive man’s world.
‘I can solely blame myself for this.’
Van Persie has gained 9 of his 21 video games in command of Heerenveen thus far however presided over a chastening 9-1 defeat in opposition to AZ Alkmaar in September.
