Sun Sep 15 09:35:16 UTC 2024: ## Heerenveen Manager Van Persie Draws Parallel to 8-2 Loss After Crushing Defeat

**Heerenveen**, under the guidance of former Arsenal and Manchester United striker **Robin van Persie**, suffered a humiliating 9-1 defeat against **AZ Alkmaar** in the Eredivisie on Saturday. The loss, Heerenveen’s biggest ever against AZ Alkmaar, prompted Van Persie to draw parallels to a similarly devastating experience during his playing days.

“I also know how it works,” Van Persie stated. “I also lost 8-2 to Manchester United once. That wasn’t fun either, but it’s part of being a footballer.” The manager was referring to Arsenal’s infamous 8-2 loss to Manchester United in 2011, a game that remains etched in footballing memory.

Despite the heavy defeat, Van Persie stressed the importance of resilience and maintaining the team’s attacking philosophy. He explained, “This is part of football. I have not been traumatized by this and neither have my players. You want to get the best out of yourself. That involves falling and getting up again.”

Heerenveen, currently in 12th place in the Eredivisie table, will look to bounce back from the crushing defeat as they travel to face **FC Twente** in their next fixture on Tuesday.

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