Fenerbahce manager Vitor Pereira has defended his decision to leave Robin van Persie out of the starting line-up in Sunday’s clash with Bursaspor.

The Netherlands international told reporters after the game that he was unhappy at starting on the bench.

“I would play more players if we were allowed to play 22 or 25 players,” he said at his press conference,” Pereira stated at the post match press conference.

“The players can like or not like what I do, but I must take decisions. I am happy with Van Persie’s performance after being brought on to the pitch.

“It would be bad if he wasn’t unhappy about being a substitute. This proves that he wants to play.”

The Netherlands international scored his first home goal since leaving Manchester United after coming off the bench in the second half.

The former United striker has taken five shots in the league since joining Fenerbahçe and scored twice.

The 32-year-old striker now has three goals for the Yellow Canaries since joining on a three-year move from United over the summer.

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