Feyenoord lost 4-3 to Sparta Rotterdam as Robin van Persie's side lost for the eighth time in 12 games across all competitions.
Prior to kick-off, Van Persie was asked about the omission of Quinten Timber, Feyenoord's captain during the 2024/25 season, from the starting lineup.
"I watch the training sessions and matches, so it's purely a sporting decision," Van Persie said about Timber, whose contract in Rotterdam is set to expire in the summer.
"I look at how players perform and their intentions. With Hwang (In-Beom), for example, not everything goes well, but what matters to me is the intention to carry out your tasks. I assess players during training sessions and matches on that basis. That's why I'm choosing others now."
'He crossed a line'
Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, approached ESPN reporter Hans Kraay Jr. after the game about an impromptu interview, with the midfielder wanting to respond to Van Persie's words.
"I just read about what was said before the match. I think it's a bit of a shame that it has to be this way," Timber said about Van Persie, who's criticised Timber several times this season towards the media.
"It's happened a few times now that the coach hasn't protected the player. In this case, it was me again. There is a limit. It's happening again now. Everyone at the club I have been working with for 3.5 years knows that I always give my all in training and matches. I did that again today. Even if I have to play right-back, I do it for the club and my team. It seems like a puppet show where people are now saying I am not doing anything. That needs to be made clear."
Timber has been the subject of transfer rumours since the summer, and a break-up now seems inevitable.
"There is a lot going on, there are a lot of emotions involved, including with the supporters who are not happy with me at the moment," Timber said after a group of supporters rolled out a banner saying 'Timber Out' during the game against Sparta.
"A lot of emotions are running high, which is never pleasant. I have always said that I want the best outcome for both parties. I would prefer not to leave the club for free, not to leave for nothing. That makes it more likely that I will leave now.
"You never know what's going to happen. That's why I said I want it solved. I've always been honest. But let's not pretend I'm some guy who doesn't work and does nothing. Anyone at the club can tell you I work and that I'm a good guy. They'll all say so.
"I find it disappointing that it's being said like that. It's not the first time. I'll let it slide once or twice. But when it happens for the third time, I have to stand up for myself, and that's what I'm doing now."
Timber closed his interview by saying this was likely his last game in De Kuip and gave one last remark about Van Persie: "It's tough that you lost again. It's extra painful that it happened in the last minute.
"But you can't say that I'm not trying. If you think that, you should say it to my face. Whatever I think, if you don't ask the questions, I don't have to say anything. Sometimes you can protect a player. This was the limit, that's why I'm standing here."
No way back
When Van Persie was confronted with Timber's words during the post-game press conference, the Premier League icon further explained his decision to leave Timber out of the starting XI.
"Before the match, I indicated what I expect from my players. That is, I always want to see the intention to carry out your tasks. Before I became a coach, I promised myself that I would always stay true to myself and stay true to the purity of football and what it demands. That's what I do. So if I see that you don't intend to consistently perform your tasks, I will choose players who do."
Asked whether there's a way back for Timber, Van Persie was resolute: "If you ask me personally, there are several people involved, but I don't think so."
