It will not be about money this time for former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. – What was referred to as an emotional return to Ajax will not come to fruition in the second half as the Dutch manager’s demands for the sacking were not heard.
The 55-year-old, who has been out of work since he was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen on September 1 after just three games, has in recent weeks been linked with a return to the coaching industry.
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Ten Hag was tipped to replace Vitor Pereira and become Wolverhampton’s next manager, but he had reservations about taking over at the West Midland club and turned down the opportunity to become the boss of Norway’s goal-hero Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Shortly after, it was reported that Ten Hag met with Ajaxe’s sporting director Ted van Kroes for a “scheduled coffee talk” amid growing speculation surrounding John van’t Chip’s future at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
When Ajax made the decision to sack van’t Schip after their 3-0 home defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League a couple of weeks ago, it seemed clear that Ten Hag was the ideal candidate to become their next manager.
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However, Dutch media such as NOS and AD have reported that Ten Hag has now turned down the opportunity to take over Ajax. It is added that he held several talks with van Kroes about the prospect of returning to the Amsterdam club.
According to AD, Ten Hag expressed concern about the uncertain nature of the club’s management. Despite attempts to convince Ten Hag to return, van Kroes has since resigned from his position following the dismissal of van’t Schip. – Erik ten Hag wanted more bosses to resign in order for it to be possible to come back.
Last month, it was also confirmed that Danny Blind, the father of former United and now Girona player Daley Blind, will step down from his role as technical commissioner.
Erik ten Hag’s demands for absolute loyalty and strict regulations will cause him problems in his next job calls as well.
Ten Hag spent four years at the Amsterdam giant, winning three Eredivisie titles and having an impressive win rate of 73 per cent before leaving the club to become United manager in May 2022.
The Dutchman eventually lost his job at Old Trafford in October 2024, it was a disaster despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and securing a third place finish in his first season.
Reflecting on his two-and-a-half years at United, Ten Hag told the SEG Stories podcast in February: “If there’s one thing I miss, it’s Old Trafford. We had a lot of highlights, but as I always say, there’s always room for improvement. Good is not good enough. You can do better.”
After nine months without work, Ten Hag returned to the coaching job and replaced Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen last summer. But despite leading only three Bundesliga games – with one win, one draw and one loss – he was brutally sacked in September.
“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen this morning to dismiss me came as a complete surprise. It’s unthinkable to part ways with a coach after only two league games,” Ten Hag stated after Leverkusen’s decision to sack him after three league games.
“This summer, many key players who were part of previous successes left the squad. Building a new, close-knit team is a careful process that requires both time and trust.”
“A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standard, shape the line-up and shape the style of play.”
“I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to give me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret. I feel like this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.”
“Throughout my career, every season I have been able to complete as a coach has led to success. Clubs that have placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and trophies.”
