Greg . 1 day ago

Captaincy controversy at Feyenoord: Quinten Timber loses armband in favour of Sem Steijn

Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber has been demoted from his Feyenoord captaincy in favour of newly acquired midfielder Sem Steijn, Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie confirmed on Wednesday.

Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, wore the captain's armband following the departure of Lutsharel Geertruida and demotion of Gernot Trauner in 2024.

On Wednesday, however, Van Persie surprisingly revealed that Timber would lose his captaincy entirely, with Anis Hadj Moussa becoming vice-captain and 19-year-old Givairo Read the third option.

Sem Steijn, who joined Feyenoord from FC Twente this summer, obtained handed the captain's armband - a proud moment for last year's Eredivisie top scorer.

"I obtained goosebumps when the coach told me the news.

I am delighted and grateful," Steijn told Ziggo Sport following Feyenoord's 2-1 Champions League win over Fenerbahce.

Quinten Timber embraces Sem Steijn after Feyenoord's win over Fenerbahceter Bals/MTB-Photo / Shutterstock Editorial / ProfimediaThe midfielder did not share when he obtained the news, saying that "it does not matter.

""It was always my aspire to become captain here one day, but I never anticipated it to occur so quickly.

I'm looking forward to making it a fantastic season together.

"Not my decision"Timber, who opened the score against Fenerbahce, evaded the biggest question concerning his demotion.

"It wasn't my decision, no.

Am I disappointed? It's great to wear the armband, and I did so with pride last year.

It would have been nice if that were still the case.

I am grateful to wear the Feyenoord logo.

That's how I sense: grateful.

"The midfielder says he'll continue working for the team as he always does.

"Whatever choice the trainer makes, I always offer one hundred percent for the team.

Am I holding support? No, but I don't always share everything on camera anyway.

"I am confident that Sem will do well," Timber continued.

"He is a fantastic young man, and he has the support of the team.

"Van Persie: Contract situation a factorQuinten Timber's contract at Feyenoord runs out at the terminate of the season, and negotiations between club and player have stalled.

Manager Robin van Persie admitted it was a factor in stripping Timber of his captaincy.

"You look for several things in a captain.

That includes a degree of commitment to the club, someone who safeguards the team culture.

Quinten still has one year left on his contract, which also plays a role.

If Timber possessed already lengthened his contract, that would have influenced this decision, yes.

"Quinten Timber was taken off for Luciano Valente against FenerbahceHollandse Hoogte / Shutterstock Editorial / ProfimediaTimber himself, however, was not a reason to take away his captain's armband completely, Van Persie admitted after repeated questioning.

"Our decision has nothing to do with dissatisfaction with Quinten.

He is one of the leaders of our team.

You should view it as a large group of leaders, in which we have now chosen Sem Steijn, Anis Hadj Moussa, and Givairo Read as our first captains.

"This has nothing to do with dissatisfaction with other players.

"Feyenoord open their Eredivisie season on Saturday with a home game against NAC Breda.

The second leg in their UEFA Champions League third-round matchup against Fenerbahce is scheduled for next Wednesday.