Ajax are looking for a new manager, with former manager Erik ten Hag, who was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after just three games earlier this season, being considered.
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has rejected the chance to return for a second time as Ajax manager. The Dutch giants sacked manager Jonny Heitinga last week after a dismal record of just two wins in 11 games.
Ajax are in crisis, fourth in the Eredivisie, already 11 points behind league leaders and rivals PSV Eindhoven. They also sit at the bottom of the 36-team Champions League table after losing their opening four games and scoring just one goal.
Ten Hag, 55, is unemployed, but his collaboration with agent Alex Kroos and Ajax technical director Alex Kroos attracted attention, and he quickly emerged as a favorite to win. The Dutch player spent four and a half years in Amsterdam, winning the title in each of his three full seasons.
However, according to Dutch outlet NOS, Ten Hag has decided not to return to Ajax. The 55-year-old, who has also been linked with Premier League side Wolves, is claimed to have thought the conditions were not right for a successful partnership.
Marc Overmars, who was the club’s technical director when Ten Hag led Ajax to famous victories over Real Madrid and Juventus, is also not expected to return. “For me, it’s over,” the former Arsenal forward told De Telegraaf this week.
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United called up Ten Hag in the summer of 2022 and he won two trophies with the Red Devils before being sacked last October. Ten Hag then bided his time, waiting until the beginning of this season to return to management.
The 55-year-old replaced Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he was unable to win his first three games, lost key players in the summer transfer window, and was mercilessly sacked in September after multiple reports of behind-the-scenes dissatisfaction.
Ten Hag criticized Leverkusen’s decision, saying in a statement: “Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to take me on leave this morning came as a complete surprise. It is unprecedented to part ways with a manager after just two league games.”
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“This summer, a number of key players who contributed to past successes left the team. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust. A new coach deserves to be given the space to execute his vision, set standards, shape the team and leave his mark on the style of play.”
“I started this work with full faith and energy, but unfortunately management did not give me the time and trust I needed, and I deeply regret that. I feel that this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.”
“Throughout my career, I was able to see every season through to the end as I delivered success as a coach. The clubs that believed in me have been rewarded with success and silver medals.”
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