Erik Ten Hag Unveiling a Football Mastermind
Erik ten Hag has been around the game for more than 12 years, making his name as a central defender with clubs like FC Twente and De Graafschap. He later served as manager of Utrecht and steered them to the Eredivisie title and the Europa League.
He has a philosophy influenced by Dutch “Total Football” and German “Gegenpressing”, though not necessarily in the same way. It’s a style that can be successful when well-executed and backed up with discipline.
Ajax
Erik ten Hag has helped to develop an exciting young Ajax team. He has led them to three league titles in four years, including this season, which is a testament to his ability as a manager.
Regarding a system, the Dutchman has taken Ajax away from their traditional 4-3-3 and shifted them towards a 4-2-3-1, which is much more aggressive and attacking. They have played with an immense amount of energy this term, but that’s mainly down to a young group of players capable of getting through a huge amount of work.
He’s also made a real impact in the backline, implementing a more defensive approach than previous managers. The result has been clean sheets and the side’s resurgence to the top of the league.
The Dutchman has taken United to a point where they are in a position few would have expected them to be in this time last year. But he’s also got a huge job ahead of him at the club. He’ll have to improve the club’s face, attitudes, and dressing room culture to take them anywhere near their former glory.
Manchester United
Despite having a relatively poor start to the season, ten Hag has helped the team develop into one of the best in the country. The Dutchman has sparked a desire among the players, and the results speak for themselves.
After a decade of underperformance, Manchester United desperately needs a new manager. The Dutchman Erik ten hag soccer is now the club’s coach, and his arrival has been a big boost for the Red Devils.
For instance, Marcus Rashford’s attacking game is thriving under ten Hag, with him making more runs than ever and scoring in his last nine games. Moreover, he is becoming a more rounded player as he has been allowed to make penetrative runs beyond the opposition’s defense, something he never used to do.
Another positive development under ten Hag is that United have improved their possession figures, averaging 62% in the opening two league matches of 2022/23 and 52% in their subsequent four. This is a big improvement from the 67% possession they enjoyed in the opening two games of the previous season.
Discipline
Having worked with many players in the Netherlands and the UK, Erik ten hag soccer is well-placed to help develop discipline. He knows what he wants his teams to play and how he wants them to play it – and has identified which players fit that system best.
He also has a strong ethos regarding player selection, bringing in only those suited to how he plays. In recent weeks, he has even dropped players for being late or oversleeping, including Marcus Rashford.
The way he handles discipline at United has helped to strengthen the team’s morale, says left-back Luke Shaw. The Dutchman has imposed a new code of discipline on the club, and the squad feels they have restored unity under his stewardship.
Ten Hag has firmly stopped any player power at Manchester United, with the players now respecting each other for the first time in years. He has restored discipline to a squad rife with double standards under previous managers, restoring trust and making it clear that no one is above the law.
Leadership
Ten Hag has helped to develop a team that believes in itself and is ready for a challenge. This has been achieved through the tough times, the injuries, and the controversies and is beginning to pay dividends in the matches on the pitch.
His high-pressing system encourages his players to move the ball quickly up the field and create chances in the final third. He has also brought in players who fit his style, such as wingers and attacking midfielders who can provide width and penetration in attack.
In addition, Ten Hag has built a solid defensive structure to protect United from the opposition’s attacks. His approach has resulted in a plus-70 goal difference this season, and United is currently top of the Eredivisie table.
The discipline he has restored at United and how he has drilled his side on teamwork has been instrumental in restoring trust. This is a rare thing for a manager at this level, and it’s one of the main reasons he’s such a good candidate for the job.
