Clubs that want Erik ten Hag no longer need to try this season. Ten Hag himself announced this on the channels of SEG, the company that manages his interests.
Embed from Getty Images
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will not be taking on a new managerial role before July 1, putting an end to speculation about his immediate future.
The Dutch coach, who was dismissed by Manchester United in October, made this announcement in a teaser for SEG Stories, a production by Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), the agency that represents him. This statement effectively rules out the possibility of him stepping in to rescue a club mid-season, even as several teams have reportedly expressed interest in his services.
One such club was Feyenoord, who recently approached Ten Hag as they sought an experienced manager to help them navigate the remainder of the season. However, his clear decision to take a break until the summer means that any clubs hoping to bring him in as an emergency solution will have to look elsewhere. With domestic leagues entering their crucial final months and several teams struggling to achieve their objectives, Ten Hag's refusal to engage in discussions at this stage removes a high-profile name from the managerial market, at least in the short term.
The former Manchester United boss has not specified whether his decision is based purely on personal preference or if he is using this time to carefully assess his next move. Having endured a challenging tenure at Old Trafford, during which he delivered both moments of promise and periods of intense scrutiny, Ten Hag may be opting to recharge before stepping into another high-pressure role. His time at United began on a high note, as he guided the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League and an EFL Cup triumph in his debut season. However, his second year was far more turbulent, plagued by injuries to key players, off-field controversies, and inconsistent performances, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
Despite the difficulties he faced in England, Ten Hag remains one of the most respected tacticians in European football. His track record speaks for itself: after beginning his managerial career at Go Ahead Eagles, where he secured promotion to the Eredivisie, he moved to Bayern Munich II, working within the prestigious German club’s development system. His return to the Netherlands saw him take charge of FC Utrecht, where he achieved notable success before earning the job at Ajax. It was at Ajax that he truly made his name on the world stage, implementing a dynamic and aggressive playing style that propelled the Dutch giants to multiple domestic titles and a thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19. Under his leadership, Ajax defeated European heavyweights like Real Madrid and Juventus, marking them as one of the most exciting teams in Europe at the time.
Ten Hag's coaching philosophy revolves around high-intensity pressing, tactical fluidity, and an emphasis on youth development. His ability to mold young talents into elite-level players has been widely recognized, with stars such as Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Antony all flourishing under his guidance. Even at Manchester United, where he faced numerous challenges, he played a key role in the development of emerging talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. His meticulous approach to training and match preparation, along with his strong belief in structure and discipline, make him a highly sought-after figure in modern football.
While Ten Hag has chosen to take a break from management for now, his assistants have already found new opportunities. Ruud van Nistelrooij, the former Manchester United and Netherlands striker, has taken over as manager of Leicester City, where he aims to lead the club back to the Premier League. Meanwhile, René Hake has joined Feyenoord as an assistant to Robin van Persie, another former Ten Hag player who is now forging his own coaching career.
As the summer approaches, speculation about Ten Hag’s next destination will only intensify. Given his reputation and experience, he will likely have no shortage of offers from clubs across Europe. The Premier League remains a possibility, with several teams potentially looking for a new manager at the end of the season. Elsewhere, clubs in Spain, Germany, and even international teams may see him as an attractive option for their long-term plans.
For now, though, Ten Hag is firm in his stance he will not rush into a new job, and any club hoping to secure his services will have to wait. Whether his next move takes him back to England, another top European league, or even a national team role, one thing is certain: when he does return, he will be one of the most sought-after managers in football.
Updated: 11:18, 24 Feb 2025
