Erik ten Hag is being linked with a sentimental comeback at Ajax, just weeks after he was axed by Bayer Leverkusen following their opening two matches of the fresh Bundesliga campaign. Ten Hag endured less than four months in total with the German heavyweights, who picked the Dutchman to replace Xabi Alonso. He failed to secure victory in either of his two league fixtures in charge before the club announced he was being dismissed from his role.
It was a choice that Ten Hag subsequently condemned as ‘unprecedented’ in a fiercely-worded response. The 55-year-old has witnessed his reputation suffer a considerable blow over the last 12 months, with his rapid departure at Leverkusen coming after his dismissal at Manchester United last October. Yet his difficulties in the Premier League and Germany appear not to have damaged his prospects of returning to Ajax.
According to De Telegraaf, such a switch could materialise in January. Ajax are currently managed by John Heitinga, who has guided them to third position in the Eredivisie and remains unbeaten across seven league encounters.
However, the Dutch giants have been defeated in both their Champions League clashes against Inter Milan and Marseille, with some supporters already demanding a transformation.
Whilst Ajax’s hierarchy are hesitant to intervene, mounting supporter fury alongside some disappointing displays might compel them to take action.
Ten Hag is reportedly a candidate to take charge and is said to have expressed an interest in returning to his old club.
Interestingly, he was linked with a return to Amsterdam before accepting an offer from Leverkusen earlier this year as they sought a new head coach.
Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, confirmed their interest in Ten Hag back in May, stating: “Erik ten Hag has been on the list for a long time.
“He is well-known, he did a fantastic job when he was here. I spoke to him briefly on Sunday. He was in the arena as a spectator.”
