Fenerbahce coach Vitor Pereira has slammed striker Robin van Persie after criticism aimed at him by the former Manchester United forward.
The Netherlands international, speaking to Turkish source Fanatik [as per the Mirror] has expressed his unhappiness at being underused by the Istanbul giants.
“Fenerbahce paid a big transfer fee for me so I want to help the team,” the 32-year-old fumed, “but I cannot contribute as much as I want when I am taken off each game.
“I cannot be efficient like this,” he continued. “We have to find a solution for this situation.”
So far this term, the attacker has failed to impress in the Super Lig, and while he has found the net nine times in 21 appearances so far this term, ten of his appearances have come from the bench, and he has failed to truly establish himself.
The attacker left Manchester United during the summer, when he was axed by his compatriot Louis van Gaal, and despite being linked back with a move to the Premier League in January—with Chelsea understood to be keen on his services—he ultimately remained at Fener.
Understandably, his vocal frustrations have not gone down well with Pereira, who has not taken kindly to RVP’s comments.
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“All season, van Persie has not been in a position to get a lot of training,” Pereira responded, speaking to reporters [as per Goal]. “He’s not reached the level we would like in many games.
“Lately, he’s been in better condition,” the coach concluded, somewhat optimistically.