How many players can you name who have played for Celtic and Feyenoord?
Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images
Robin van Persie reflects on Wim Jansen
Jansen is adored by both fanbases for the work he did at the two clubs, and will be in the thoughts of everyone on match day.
Asked about the legacy he has, the Dutchman admitted that he always tried to impress Jansen when coming through the academy.
How would you describe Wim Jansen in one word?
He once said to me, when I was a very young player, that he wanted to see in the first five minutes of a game that I was the best of all the players on the pitch. He said ‘that is what you have to show’. That was one of those small details when he triggered me. I have so many memories to think back on with massive pleasure. Wim was such a big football man. Robin van Persie
9 May 1998: Celtic Coach Wim Jansen and Murdo McLeod celebrate after a Scottish Premier League match against St Johnstone at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic won the match 2-0 to become the league champions. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/Allsport
MORE CELTIC STORIES
He then added: “Wim has been an icon for Dutch and Scottish football because of that year he had with Celtic.
“In this way, I feel we are playing a game which, in my opinion, is actually in honour of Wim Jansen.”
Why did Wim Jansen leave Celtic?
The late manager’s time at Celtic was short but sweet after he departed in the summer of 1998.
It was a surprise to see him go at the time, but he later admitted that this was because of a breakdown in relations between himself and the board.
Their visions didn’t seem to align, and disagreements meant that there was no other option but for him to leave.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
