Erik ten Hag has emerged as a target for a major European club, with the hope of signing him in the near future, despite his tragic last experience with Bayer Leverkusen.
Ten Hag was succeeded by Xabi Alonso as Leverkusen manager, but he failed miserably. He only led the team for three matches and was subsequently dismissed for various reasons, most notably because he didn’t even get along with his coaching staff.
Dutch press reports indicated that Ajax’s management is seriously considering signing Ten Hag, allowing him to return to the Johan Cruyff Arena, where his coaching abilities were evident during his first tenure.
John Heitinga is currently coaching Ajax, but the famous Dutch defender continues to face criticism, given that his team is six points behind leaders Feyenoord in the league, having achieved four wins and four draws.
Ajax were defeated in the Champions League by Inter Milan in the Netherlands (2-0) and Marseille in France (4-0), which heightened concerns about Heitinga, and calls for his dismissal quickly increased.
Ten Hag has a special relationship with Ajax sporting director Alex Kroos, who almost brought him back last summer before signing Heitinga. Now, the former Manchester United manager is emerging as a strong potential replacement if things continue at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
In his first stint with Ajax, Ten Hag led his team to three Eredivisie titles, one Dutch Cup, and one Dutch Super Cup. He also reached the Champions League semi-finals, where he produced a thrilling performance against Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
