Erik ten Hag Emerges as Shock Contender for Wolves Hot Seat
Erik ten Hag has been described as a "viable candidate" for Ajax as the ex-Manchester United manager continues to be associated with a comeback to coaching, based on reports from the Netherlands.
"In football, it's survival of the fittest," Ten Hag famously stated. Regrettably for the struggling Dutch coach, he has experienced more setbacks recently.
Bayer Leverkusen took only three games to terminate their Ten Hag project ruthlessly earlier this season, resulting in the briefest managerial stint in Bundesliga records. That unsuccessful period in Germany was Ten Hag's first role since Manchester United abruptly dismissed him just months after providing him with a fresh two-year deal.
Following several months of recovery, the 55-year-old's reputation has resurfaced in discussions about available coaching positions. Ten Hag became an unexpected contender for Wolverhampton Wanderers following Vitor Pereira's departure over the weekend, and is allegedly receptive to returning to the Premier League.
Dutch publication AD now claims that Ten Hag is being courted by Ajax. The Amsterdam club secured three championship titles, two domestic trophies and advanced to the Champions League semifinals with spectacular football under his leadership from 2018–22.
Ajax technical director Alex Kroes was seen having discussions with Ten Hag early this week but characterized it as merely a casual meeting. AD suggests that a more official continuation is "unavoidable" after the historic Dutch powerhouse continued their downward spiral this week.
Whether Ten Hag would welcome a return to Amsterdam remains uncertain, especially considering the challenging situation he would inherit.
Ten Hag Confronted With Complete Overhaul
The team under Johnny Heitinga's guidance has failed to match the achievements Ten Hag delivered since his exit three years ago, falling to fifth place in 2023–24. Although they remained competitive in last season's championship race—squandering a nine-point advantage over PSV Eindhoven to finish runner-up—this season has been an absolute catastrophe.
Wednesday's 3–0 loss to a Victor Osimhen-led Galatasaray marked Ajax's fourth consecutive Champions League defeat. This streak, including last month's 5–1 thrashing by Chelsea, has seen the four-time European winners allow 14 goals in four games while managing only one score. Ajax trail Feyenoord and PSV by eight points in the Eredivisie.
The pipeline of academy talents that populated Ten Hag's squads in previous years—players like Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong—has run dry. This natural decline in youth development has been worsened by a sequence of poor transfer decisions.
However, despite the available resources, Heitinga has alienated the supporters. AFCA Supporters Club issued a statement demanding an end to a "playing style that consistently brings heartbreak" following Wednesday's loss.