Of course he has something about him. You don’t get to run Ajax by chance, Dutch footy culture is both sophisticated and ruthless. They may not have the resources of England, but their coaching culture is particularly rich.
Of course, lots of Dutch managers have found their ceiling too, we may see that with Ten Haag this year.
They supposedly have very little room to maneuver with FFP limits. It was also widely reported last summer that Murtaugh was willing to support EtH in desire to add Anthony but made clear to him before pulling the trigger that doing so would make it that much harder for them to do meaningful work this summer
Murtough: Thanks for making time to meet, Erik.
Ten Hag: It’s no problem. Listen, I will get right to the point. When is Maguire leaving, and what are we doing to replace him?
Murtough: Well, we are having some difficulties moving Maguire. We were hoping to use some funds from his sale to bring in a replacement. But the good news is we have offers, and we do have a replacement lined up.
Ten Hag: Excellent. How much are we getting, what is the best offer?
Murtough: Well…ah. There it is, isn’t it?
Ten Hag: I don’t understand, what are you saying?
Murtough: West Ham have offered to take him on loan.
Ten Hag: So we will only have the loan fee?
Murtough: Yes, well, there was no loan fee mentioned, but they did say they would pay his wages. So that’s something, isn’t it?
Ten Hag: Who then do you have as a replacement for Maguire? We must replace him, it is without question, yes? He is slow, cannot turn, and is very prone to making mistakes with the ball.
Murtough: Yes, well…Jonny Evans
Ten Hag:…