At last, Tottenham have a manager. The club’s lengthy search for José Mourinho’s replacement is over, as Nuno Espírito Santo arrives.
However, that hasn’t stopped details about other candidates for the vacancy coming out.
What’s the story?
Erik ten Hag, who manages Ajax, was one man considered by Daniel Levy.
The Dutchman met the north Londoners for an interview, following his success with the Eredivisie giants.
In Amsterdam, Ten Hag has guided Ajax to two Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups, and the Johan Cruyff Shield.
The 51-year-old also finished fourth in FIFA’s 2019 Coach of the Year award.
How did Erik ten Hag baffle Tottenham?
Well, according to Valentijn Driessen – football chief for De Telegraaf – Spurs found Ten Hag’s staff choices ‘very strange’ indeed.
Where Tottenham expected him to bring goalkeeping coaches and physiotherapists, the Dutchman said he’d be bringing just one man – Sjors Ultee.
As quoted by Voetbal, Driessen adds that Ten Hag’s English wasn’t too great either, which added to Tottenham’s reasons not to hire him.
In the end, Ten Hag signed a new contract with Ajax, and Spurs moved on to other candidates.
He would’ve been an interesting appointment, but by all accounts, he made a very weak first impression with Tottenham.
In our view, it was probably for the best.
Hiring managers – and signing players – from the Eredivisie is always a risk.
Just look at Frank de Boer. He shone at Ajax, but failed miserably at Inter Milan and Crystal Palace.
Additionally, look at Vincent Janssen. He was one of the best strikers in the Netherlands, but made Roberto Soldado look good at Tottenham.
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