Ten Hag Envisions Twente as Major Club in Rekindled Ambitions
Erik ten Hag, the former coach of Ajax and Manchester United, has taken on a new role as the technical director of FC Twente. Starting in February, he aims to fulfill his vision of rekindling the club’s ambitions and shaping it into a major football entity.
Return to Twente
During a recent press conference, Ten Hag expressed his excitement about returning to FC Twente, where he boasts a rich history as a player and coach. “This has always lingered in the back of my mind,” he stated. He emphasized his connection to the region, club, and supporters, stating, “I want to help FC Twente and make the fans proud.”
Ambitions for the Club
Both Ten Hag and FC Twente’s general director, Dominique Scholten, outlined their ambitious plans for the team. They aim to compete for European football consistently and to bring home trophies.
- Establish FC Twente as a significant club.
- Focus on winning titles.
- Set realistic goals, prioritizing cup competitions over league championships for now.
Collaboration with the Coaching Staff
Ten Hag is eager to collaborate with the current interim coach, John van den Brom, especially regarding player acquisitions. He insists that successful operations require mutual agreement between the coach and technical director.
Insights on His Recent Career
Despite his swift dismissal from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this season, Ten Hag remains optimistic. He explained, “I didn’t have the opportunity to prove my methods.” He pointed out that such situations are common in the coaching profession, even affecting top trainers like Xabi Alonso.
Future Plans
When asked about a potential coaching role with the national team, Ten Hag was noncommittal but focused on his current task. Scholten stated that any future discussions regarding Ten Hag’s career will be approached with pragmatism. “If an opportunity arises, we will discuss it together,” he noted.
As Ten Hag begins his journey with FC Twente, he aims to make a long-term impact, emphasizing “I want to stay here longer” and avoiding speculation about future roles.
