Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has said he is encouraged by what he has seen from Raheem Sterling in training but believes the winger is not yet ready to complete a full 90 minutes. Van Persie, who took charge of the Dutch club after a long playing career at the highest level, offered a measured assessment of Sterling’s current status as he works toward full match fitness.
According to Van Persie, Sterling has shown high quality and sharpness in training sessions, with the coach describing aspects of his play as exceptional. The forward’s movement, technique and decision-making in small-sided exercises and tactical drills have reportedly stood out to the Feyenoord staff, underlining the experience and pedigree he brings from his years in top European competition.
However, Van Persie also made clear that this promising form on the training ground does not yet translate into readiness to play a complete game. The manager indicated that Sterling is still building up his physical condition and match rhythm, suggesting that a careful approach is being taken to avoid overloading him too quickly. For now, the plan appears to be to integrate Sterling gradually, likely through limited minutes or substitute appearances rather than immediately placing him in a full-match role.
The comments highlight the balance Van Persie is trying to strike between using Sterling’s evident quality and managing his return to full fitness responsibly. While the manager expressed admiration for Sterling’s work and attitude in sessions, he also stressed the importance of patience as the player progresses toward being able to handle an entire match at the required intensity.
Van Persie did not specify a timeline for when Sterling might be expected to play 90 minutes regularly. Instead, his remarks focused on the positive signs the staff are seeing each day and the importance of continuing that process step by step. For Feyenoord, Sterling’s training performances are a promising indicator of what he could contribute once he is fully ready, but for now the club appears set on a cautious, staged buildup rather than rushing him into extended action.
