Van Persie would take ‘a couple’ of players away from Inter | OneFootball

Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie admits he would take ‘a couple’ of players away from Inter but insists his players are ‘ready’ for Wednesday’s Champions League ‘challenge.’

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker will make his Champions League debut as a coach on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against defending Serie A champions Inter.

“It was my first week as Feyenoord’s coach, and it was a very positive week,” Van Persie told Sky Sport Italia via TMW.

“I have great feelings. An intense period is beginning; we have many matches, the players are giving their all, and they are proving to be ready for these challenges.”

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“They are a very strong team, conceding only one goal in the Champions League,” the former striker argued.

“They have a very effective way of defending, but they are also good at attacking and making great use of space. These are the strengths they will rely on. For us, it’s important to play well and defend well. We will have our fans behind us, and they will be our 12th man.”

Van Persie would take ‘a couple’ of players away from Inter

NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 01: Stanislav Lobotka of Napoli competes for the ball with Marcus Thuram of Inter during the Serie A match between Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Nerazzurri will travel to the Netherlands without four wing-backs and may be forced to move Alessandro Bastoni to the left wing to stick to a 3-5-2 system tomorrow.

Van Persie was asked whether he would take a player away from Inter, and he replied: “I could even choose a couple if I had to, they are all very strong.

“They are solid in defence, midfield, and attack. As a player, it would be a dream for me to play against such opponents.”

Van Persie’s debut as Feyenoord’s head coach on March 1 resulted in a 0-0 home draw against NEC Nijmegen.

Inter qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 by finishing fourth in the league phase.