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Erik ten Hag 'in pole position' to make spectacular Ajax return
Willem Leijgraf
- Updated: 6 Oct 2025 20:04 BST
- 4 min read
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Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be set for a spectacular return to his ex-club Ajax, according to Dutch media.
John Heitinga's future is currently a topic of discussion at Ajax. Due to his poor performance, the 41-year-old coach is under fire, and the club's management is demanding clarity from the outside world.
According to Lentin Goodijk of Voetbal International, Erik ten Hag is in pole position to become Ajax's new head coach if Heitinga is let go, with criticism of the former Liverpool assistant mounting by the week.
Last week's victory over NAC Breda was unconvincing, and Ajax almost suffered a loss against Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday. The Amsterdam club managed to snatch an injury-time equaliser after conceding three goals.
Meanwhile, the pressure on Heitinga and directors Alex Kroes and Marijn Beuker has been mounting. For now, Heitinga still seems to be getting the benefit of the doubt at Ajax, although Kroes and Beuker haven't officially stated this to the public.
Ten Hag the favourite to replace Heitinga
"If people get the feeling it's a stay of execution, and especially if players get that feeling, then that would be killing me," Goodijk said on behalf of Voetbal International. "Of course, it's also an issue at Ajax. Who else is involved?
"It's not easy to bring back a better manager when you fire Heitinga. Just try joining Ajax," Goodijk continued, adding that Ten Hag is considered a top candidate internally to potentially succeed Heitinga.
"The choice is primarily his own. He's an experienced manager who knows the club. A proven top manager, too. That's easier than bringing someone in from outside."
Besides Ten Hag's experience and his past at Ajax, the coach also has another advantage. Ten Hag has been without a club for a month, meaning the Amsterdam side can quickly move on if Heitinga is fired.
Ten Hag started this season at Bayer Leverkusen after being sacked by Man Utd last year. In Germany, they quickly saw enough, and he was let go after several disappointing results.
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