This summer, Tottenham Hotspur was in the market for a new manager following the sacking of former manager José Mourinho. The north London-based had Ajax AFC manager Erik ten Hag at the top of their target list.
Despite seeing most of his young talent depart following their 2018-19 UEFA Champions League run to the semi-finals, ten Hag didn’t want to leave the Dutch club even though he had the opportunity to seek out a new challenge.
Nonetheless, as the Daily Mail reports that ten Hag wanted to remain with Ajax despite the interest from Tottenham. The Dutch tactician liked the challenge of rebuilding the squad following the departures of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech, and Donny van de Beek.
Ajax has been able to withstand the loss of talent and continue to be a powerhouse in Dutch football and has them in first place atop Group C in the UEFA Champions League with nine points, likely securing a spot in the knockout stages this season.
Ten Hag didn’t want to join Spurs because he wanted to stay with Ajax? You don’t say Sherlock I’d never have guessed that.
Ajax’s future is always assured in the Dutch League as they rule the Dutch academy system. Like Chelsea and Man City over here, Ajax get the pick of Dutch youngsters. As a result they can sell a De Ligt and a De Jong, safe that they have a few more in their ranks.
Don’t blame him……I feel for Nuno, he is the current holder of the poison chalice in football.
Until the structure above him is changed, every big name will veto this opportunity.
Now Mr Bruce is available, this is the calibre of coach we can only attract.