Quilindschy Hartman has been forced to backtrack after his comments about Feyenoord and former coach Robin van Persie sparked backlash in the Netherlands. The Burnley defender, who left the Rotterdam club this summer, claimed in an interview that he had missed certain aspects of management at Feyenoord — only for Van Persie to publicly hit back, accusing the player of poor attitude and form.
The row drew heavy criticism from Feyenoord supporters, who felt betrayed by a player raised in their academy. Now, Hartman has sought to calm the storm, clarifying that he has “warm feelings” for his boyhood club and never intended to disrespect them.
The 23-year-old joined Burnley under Scott Parker this summer after the Clarets’ promotion, and he is already learning the pressures of the Premier League spotlight.
Hartman Clarifies His Position
In his latest comments, covered by 1908.nl, Hartman made clear he regrets how the story was perceived:
“I have incredibly warm feelings for Feyenoord; I genuinely miss playing for Feyenoord. I don’t have a single negative word to say… it wasn’t my intention for it to blow up like that.” — Quilindschy Hartman
He admitted that mistakes in his own conduct contributed to the situation, saying he must “learn from that.”
Van Persie’s Response
Van Persie, now Feyenoord manager, wasted no time defending his stance last week. He insisted Hartman had not shown the right mentality in training and was not good enough for selection — a public rebuttal that escalated the narrative.
Feyenoord fans, proud of their academy graduates, sided with their coach and accused Hartman of disrespecting the club that developed him.
Burnley’s Perspective
For Burnley, the controversy comes at an early stage of Hartman’s Premier League career. Signed as part of Scott Parker’s summer rebuild, the defender has featured in the opening fixtures as the Clarets picked up one win from their first three games back in the top flight.
Parker is convinced Hartman can adapt quickly to English football, but the player will need to refocus attention on performances rather than headlines.
Hartman 2024/25 Stats at Feyenoord
| Stat (2024/25) | Quilindschy Hartman |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Pass Accuracy | 86% |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
His contributions in Rotterdam showed why Burnley moved for him — but also why Feyenoord fans were so disappointed with his comments.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Hartman’s backtracking shows a player caught between honesty and diplomacy. His remarks may have been candid, but in the current football climate, anything critical of a former club is amplified instantly. Feyenoord’s passionate fanbase ensured his words did not go unnoticed.
For Burnley, the key is keeping Hartman focused on adapting to the Premier League. Parker has shown faith in him, and if the Dutchman can translate his Eredivisie consistency into England, this storm will soon pass.
Key Insights
- Hartman clarifies he never intended to insult Feyenoord or Van Persie.
- Van Persie accused him of poor training attitude and performance.
- Feyenoord fans criticised their former academy graduate.
- Burnley signed Hartman after promotion to the Premier League.
- Defender vows to learn from past mistakes and focus on performances.
What’s Next for Hartman and Burnley?
Hartman will return from the international break looking to help Burnley build momentum in their survival push. His defensive stability and passing from the back are key traits Parker values in his rebuild.
In the Netherlands, the row may linger, but strong performances in England will quickly shift the narrative. Hartman has made his stance clear: he respects Feyenoord, but now his focus is firmly on Burnley’s Premier League challenge.
Will Quilindschy Hartman prove himself in England and silence his critics back home?
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