08.10.2015 17:22 h

Fenerbahce boss defends treatment of disgruntled Van Persie

The coach of Turkish football giants Fernerbahce Vitor Pereira on Thursday defended his decision to relegate striker Robin Van Persie to the bench, after indications the Istanbul side's star new signing was far from happy with life at the club.

The Netherlands star signed for Fenerbahce in July from Manchester United on a three year deal amid great fanfare and hopes he would help turn the club into a major European force.

But Portuguese Pereira, who also arrived over the summer, has largely consigned Van Persie to the bench with the Dutchman making no secret of his displeasure.

The apparent crisis intensified with the emergence of viral videos clearly showing Van Persie looking less than happy -- not standing up when a teammate scored a goal and distinctly unfocused in training.

Another showed him refusing to make eye contact with Pereira when shaking hands.

"We have a rich team. I want everyone to play. No one can claim I am being unfair," Pereira was quoted as saying by the Fanatik sports daily.

"I am aware of his (Van Persie's) level of quality and ambition. He wants to play all the time. But I have my own game plan. I have to give a chance to not only Van Persie but all players.

"Let's not exaggerate the situation. We are all dedicated to Fenerbahce's success. Van Persie is also a part of this team and will do his best given the opportunity."

In Fenerbahce's latest Super Lig clash -- a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Akhisar -- Van Persie was only brought on in the 72nd minute.

With tensions mounting, Turkish media reports said Fenerbahce's sporting director Giuliano Terraneo, who spearheaded the signing of Van Persie, would meet both men to solve the crisis.

With the Netherlands and Turkey battling for Euro 2016 qualification in the same group, Van Persie also did not further endear himself to Turkish fans by saying he expected Turkey to drop points in the next round of games.

Turkish captain Arda Turan of Barcelona bit back by saying Van Persie should get his estimates right.