Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, has emerged as a potential candidate to take over at Feyenoord following the dismissal of Brian Priske. The Dutch club is currently navigating a turbulent season, sitting fifth in the Eredivisie and trailing league leaders Ajax by 12 points. Priske’s tenure, which began in the summer after replacing Arne Slot, was marked by inconsistency, culminating in his sacking earlier this week.
Feyenoord’s Managerial Turmoil
Priske’s appointment came with high expectations after Slot departed for Liverpool, where he has since led the Reds to the top of the Premier League. Despite some bright moments, including a Dutch Super Cup victory over PSV Eindhoven and progression in the Champions League group stages, Priske struggled to maintain consistency. A string of poor results including a 6-1 loss to Lille in Europe, defeats to Ajax and PSV domestically, and an early KNVB Cup exit sealed his fate. Even a 3-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend could not save his job.
Feyenoord’s managing director Dennis te Kloese cited “inconsistent results” and a “lack of chemistry” as reasons for Priske’s dismissal. The club has placed U21 coach Pascal Bosschaart in temporary charge ahead of their Champions League clash with AC Milan.
Erik ten Hag: A Contender for Feyenoord
Reports from Dutch media suggest that Erik ten Hag is among the names being considered for the vacant managerial role at De Kuip. Ten Hag’s reputation remains strong in the Netherlands due to his successful stint at Ajax from 2018 to 2022, during which he secured three Eredivisie titles and guided the team to a memorable Champions League semi-final in 2019.
However, his time at Manchester United was less fruitful. Despite winning both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in consecutive seasons, Ten Hag struggled with tactical inconsistencies during his third year at Old Trafford. This led to United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League before INEOS, under new ownership, decided to terminate his contract last November.
Interestingly, Ten Hag’s assistant during his United tenure, Rene Hake, is also being linked with Feyenoord. Hake had joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff only last summer but was dismissed alongside him.
Challenges for Ten Hag’s Potential Appointment
While Ten Hag’s credentials make him an attractive option for Feyenoord, there are significant obstacles to his appointment. His deep ties with Ajax Feyenoord’s fiercest rivals could complicate negotiations. Moreover, transitioning from managing Manchester United to Feyenoord might be perceived as a step down for a coach of his calibre.
Ten Hag has reportedly been linked with other managerial roles since leaving United. Borussia Dortmund were rumoured to be interested after sacking Nuri Sahin but ultimately opted for Nico Kovac instead. It is believed that Ten Hag prefers to wait until the summer before making a decision about his next move.
Ruben Amorim at Manchester United
In the aftermath of Ten Hag’s departure from Old Trafford, Manchester United appointed Ruben Amorim as their new manager. The Portuguese coach brought his entire coaching staff from Sporting CP but has faced challenges replicating his predecessor’s success. Amorim’s struggles have inadvertently cast Ten Hag’s tenure at United in a more favourable light among fans and analysts.
The Road Ahead for Feyenoord
Feyenoord’s immediate focus will be on stabilising their season under interim coach Pascal Bosschaart while searching for a long-term managerial solution. With Champions League football still on the line and domestic performances needing improvement, securing an experienced and tactically astute manager like Ten Hag could prove pivotal.
Whether or not Ten Hag accepts Feyenoord’s offer remains uncertain. However, his proven track record in Dutch football and ability to rebuild teams make him an intriguing option as Feyenoord look to regain their footing both domestically and on the European stage.
