ROBIN VAN PERSIE was unhappy at being left out of the Fenerbahce team despite coming off the substitutes’ bench to score the winning goal against Bursaspor on Sunday.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker was not named in Vitor Pereira’s starting XI and was only brought on after 77 minutes with the scores level after Tomas Necid had cancelled out Nani’s opener.
Van Persie made an immediate impact, scoring within three minutes of his arrival to seal a 2-1 victory for Fener, who sit top of the Super Lig with 13 points from five games.
The 32-year-old was not thrilled after the match, though, insisting he wants to be starting matches and playing for the full 90 minutes.
“To be honest, I am not very happy at this moment,” he told Lig TV .
“I was not happy that I started on the bench. I am fully fit, physically very well and able to play for 90 minutes.
“The only right answer I could give was with what I did: helping the team to get the victory.”
Pereira defended his decision to leave star striker Van Persie out of the team when he was asked about the Dutchman’s complaints after the match.
“I would play more players if we were allowed to play 22 or 25 players,” he said at his press conference.
“The players can like or not like what I do, but I must take decisions. I am happy with Van Persie’s performance after being brought on to the pitch.
“It would be bad if he wasn’t unhappy about being a substitute. This proves that he wants to play.”
Van Persie has three goals from nine appearances — five of which were starts — for his new side so far in 2015-16.
Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.