After being sacked by Manchester United in October 2024, Erik ten Hag has remained out of work, but recent events suggest that the Dutchman could soon make a return to management. Known for his tactical acumen and success at Ajax, Ten Hag was linked with several potential roles following his departure from Old Trafford, and it appears that a new opportunity is now on the horizon.
The former Ajax manager has been spotted in Italy, raising speculation about his future and possible job offers. He was seen attending a crucial Serie A match between Roma and Juventus, and this has led to suggestions that he could be a candidate for either of these Italian giants, both of whom could soon be looking for a new manager.
What Happened?
Erik ten Hag’s absence from management has been notable since his firing from Manchester United. While he was quickly replaced by Bruno Fernandes and then Ralf Rangnick as interim coaches, Ten Hag has been in no rush to jump back into the dugout. However, recent events have placed him in the spotlight once again.
The Dutchman was seen in Turin ahead of Roma’s Serie A clash with Juventus. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was a high-profile encounter between two of Italy’s most prominent clubs. Ten Hag’s presence at the match has sparked rumors that both Roma and Juventus could be considering him for managerial roles.
Ten Hag was featured in a video arriving at Stadio Olimpico and was spotted in the stands during the game. His attendance was confirmed by Roma, with the club noting that Ten Hag was a guest of the Friedkin family, the owners of the club. This connection has only fueled speculation that he could be on Roma’s radar for a future role.
Roma and Juventus in Need of a New Manager?
Both Roma and Juventus could be in the market for a new manager in the near future, which has led to further speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s next career move.
Roma’s interim manager, Claudio Ranieri, is expected to leave the club at the end of the season. This opens up the possibility for Roma to make a change, and with Ten Hag attending their match, he might be a top candidate for the job.
On the other hand, Juventus is also in transition after Thiago Motta was sacked last month. Igor Tudor was appointed as Motta’s successor, but there has been speculation about Tudor’s future, with Juventus’ sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli recently hinting that the club could be looking at other managerial options. Giuntoli thanked Motta for his work but emphasized that Tudor would remain in charge until the end of the season, including for the Club World Cup. However, he also mentioned the hope of “moving forwards together” with Tudor. This could mean that Juventus is still exploring its long-term managerial options, with Ten Hag’s name likely to be considered.
Ten Hag’s Next Move: What Could It Be?
Despite the growing rumors, Erik ten Hag has remained cautious about his next move. In an interview with the SEG Stories podcast, he shared his thoughts on his future, hinting that he may never return to management. “There are so many other things I could do,” he said. “Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.”
He also opened up about his personal ventures, revealing that he has been working with his brothers on their family business. “I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather: they have their own company. But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do, I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun,” he said.
This statement reflects Ten Hag’s openness to exploring other opportunities outside football. However, it’s clear that he hasn’t ruled out a return to management, particularly with high-profile clubs like Roma and Juventus reportedly interested in him.
Juventus’ Managerial Search: Could Ten Hag Be the Next Choice?
Juventus has been in the market for a new manager after the sudden dismissal of Thiago Motta. Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus’ sporting director, recently commented on the decision to bring in Igor Tudor and also made it clear that the club remains confident in their team’s potential. “We believe in the team a lot, and we are very confident for the future,” Giuntoli said, indicating that Juventus’ managerial search may not be immediate but could happen in the near future.
Giuntoli’s comments have led to speculation that Juventus may still be looking for a long-term managerial solution, and Ten Hag could be a strong candidate due to his previous success at Ajax and his tactical expertise. His time with Manchester United was filled with ups and downs, but his reputation remains high in European football, and his experience in top-tier leagues like the Premier League and Eredivisie could make him a suitable fit for the demanding job at Juventus.
Could Roma Be a Fit for Ten Hag?
With Claudio Ranieri expected to leave Roma at the end of the season, the club could be looking for a permanent solution to replace him. Roma has enjoyed a successful period under Ranieri, but they may now be seeking a new direction. Ten Hag’s attacking style of football, combined with his ability to develop young talent, could make him an attractive option for Roma, who have often placed emphasis on nurturing emerging stars.
Ten Hag’s managerial experience and his tactical philosophy would likely resonate with Roma’s goals and ambitions, particularly as they look to compete for top honors in Serie A and Europe.
What’s Next for Ten Hag?
At this point, Erik ten Hag’s next move remains uncertain. While he has expressed interest in returning to football management, his comments also suggest he could explore other career paths. His recent attendance at the Serie A clash between Roma and Juventus only adds to the growing speculation about his future.
SUGGESTED FOR YOU
5 Surprising Ways UEFA Coefficients Unfairly Affected English Clubs in European Competitions
It is clear that Ten Hag is keeping his options open, and with Roma and Juventus both in need of new managerial leadership, he may soon have the opportunity to return to the dugout. The upcoming months will be pivotal in determining whether Ten Hag will accept a new challenge in Italy, or if he will pursue other ventures outside football.
