What 9 top coaches have said about Erik ten Hag: ‘Very complex but cool’

While there has been no official announcement, Erik ten Hag looks set to become Manchester United’s new manager ahead of next season. And the current Ajax boss is very highly thought of among his fellow managers.

Ten Hag, who became Ajax manager in December 2017, has won two Eredivisie titles while forging a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting coaches.

We’ve taken a look at what managers and coaches around Europe have previously said about the 52-year-old.

“Erik is rightly regarded as one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football at the moment because of the work he does with Ajax,” Klopp said in December 2020.

“Of course, it is a wonderful club – one of the stellar names of European football – but in this moment it is clear they have outstanding leadership of the organisation and Erik is a big part of that.

“They have had to adapt in recent seasons after losing a few players to rival clubs. I remember from my own experience at Dortmund how that feels and what a challenge it is.

“How they deal with it is exceptional. The foundations of the team remain solid and they have recruited well. They have a clear identity. I love watching them, I have to say.”

“We spoke quite regularly and he is just an incredible person and human being. I was surprised at how humble he was,” Guardiola said in April 2022 about Ten Hag, who was previously in charge of Bayern Munich’s second team.

“For his qualities, just take a look at his Ajax team in the last years. It is a joy to watch. In many, many games, not just the year they got to the Champions League semi-final.

“In terms of qualities, just look at his teams. To define a manager, watch his team for a long time. This is a team, and this manager makes the players