Robin van Persie’s record as a manager as Arsenal villain eyes Champions League upset on reunion

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Arsenal could be set for a reunion with Robin van Persie in the near future with a Champions League meeting possibly on the cards.

If there’s one figure who is certainly not welcome back at the Emirates, it’s Van Persie, who is considered a villain in N5.

Van Persie is aware of how much he’s disliked at Arsenal, with hostility caused by his transfer to Manchester United in 2012.

The striker was admired by Arsene Wenger for obvious reasons, being a remarkable finisher during his time in red and white and now, the 41-year-old could be set for a reunion.

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Robin van Persie’s managerial record ahead of possible Arsenal reunion

After hanging up his boots in 2019, the striker transitioned into management, where after taking up academy roles, he earned his first senior job in the Eredivisie. 

Van Persie is now set for a change in clubs, as the former Arsenal man is in line to succeed Brian Priske at Feyenoord. 

Priske was dismissed and Van Persie’s former club are eager to recruit their ex-player to take the reins following his first job in Eredivisie.

In July the 41-year-old was named manager of Heerenveen, where he’s had a hot and cold time, which is set to come to a close if he takes the vacancy at Feyenoord. 

What’s interesting is that Arsenal could face Feyenoord in the Champions League round of 16, with one of PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord available to Mikel Arteta’s side in the draw. 

If Van Persie were to return to the Emirates as a manager, there would be no greater joy to fans than to knock the villain out of the Champions League but equally, there’s room for the former player to cause a nightmare. 

Above is the Dutchman’s managerial record at Heerenveen in all competitions, where he’s averaging 1.27 points per match at the time of writing.

There’s been ups and downs for the coach, who in his biggest win as manager oversaw a 4-0 win over NAC Breda and contrastingly, suffered a 9-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar to mark his greatest loss.

It’s difficult to merit Van Persie’s coaching ability on this season alone, given that it’s his first as a senior manager and, that he took charge of a mid-table side in the Dutch top flight. 

• READ MORE: Robin van Persie suffered ‘scandalous’ referee error – Even Arsenal fans would be infuriated

Van Persie’s scoring record against Arsenal 

While Arsenal won’t know what to expect from Van Persie as a manager if his Feyenoord side are to draw the Gunners in the next round of the Champions League, the North Londoners are aware of his potency as a player.

Van Persie faced his former club six times as a player, scoring three times when representing Manchester United to make supporters sick to their stomachs.

Fans will hope that if Van Persie does return to the Emirates as a manager, his record on the pitch doesn’t translate as a manager, as the Dutchman never lost against Arsenal. 

It would be remarkable to see Van Persie face Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16, with the chances there for the villain to meet his former employers in the competition.