Van Persie aiming to surprise Inter to reach Champions League quarters

Robin van Persie believes his Feyenoord team can spring a surprise against Inter to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Van Persie, who was appointed as Brian Priske’s successor last month, watched on as his side were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 clash last week.

And their task is made even more difficult with the second leg taking place at the iconic San Siro, with Feyenoord also having a dismal record against teams from Italy.

Indeed, Feyenoord are winless in their last eight away matches against Italian sides in European competition (D3 L5), and haven’t managed to win any of their 12 overall matches there by more than a single goal (W2 D3 L7).

They are given just a 3% chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League according to Opta’s data-led simulations. Only PSV Eindhoven (0%) have a lower probability after they were thrashed 7-1 by Arsenal.

“The beauty of sport is that there is always hope, even if people think there is little chance,” Van Persie told a press conference on Monday.

The Feyenoord manager has had only two games in charge since taking over, including the first leg where his side were thoroughly outplayed.

“It is clear that we want to surprise everyone. The expectation now is that it is hopeless for us,” Van Persie added.

“Well, I don’t think so. We have a chance to win against a very strong Inter, but then we have to be at our best.”

Across their 26 away matches in the Champions League, Feyenoord – who trail by two goals in the tie – have only ever managed one victory by more than a single goal. That victory did come earlier this season, however, beating Benfica 3-1 at the Estadio da Luz in October.

And Van Persie added that his players must believe that they can overturn the deficit to reach the final eight of the competition.

“The most important message I’m giving ahead of this match is believe in yourself, believe in each other. I’ve seen crazier things happen over the years,” Van Persie said.

“We’re facing a huge challenge together, but we’re not running away from it. I think the players we have now are really good.

“We’re going to do it with these guys and the belief is there. There’s no point in talking about other scenarios.”

With Feyenoord not in action this weekend, Van Persie watched Simone Inzaghi’s side come from two goals down to beat Monza 3-2 to remain at the Serie A summit.

“They (Inter) always do the same thing, in attacking and switching. And they do it incredibly well.

“On the one hand that is a big challenge, but on the other hand it also offers opportunities. We do not expect Inter to do anything different tomorrow night.

“But there are also opportunities against a very strong team,” he added.

However, Feyenoord will have to cope without injured Brazilian attacker Igor Paixao, one of their top performers this season, after he was hurt in training on Monday.

“It is certainly a blow that Igor Paixao is not there. We are not assuming a long-term injury but we will look at that in the coming days,” Van Persie added.