Almost four decades ago, Erik ten Hag who was still a teenager had a conversation with Johan Cruyff, who at that time had not started coaching either. Ten Hag’s style is now back in the conversation.
That moment happened in 1984, aka 39 years ago. At that time, Erik ten Hag, who is now the manager of Manchester United, was 13 years old.
At that time, Erik ten Hag was one of the teenagers who had the opportunity to chat with Johan Cruyff on a television show. Cruyff himself had not yet started to become a coach – a figure who also had a big name when he was a player only made his debut as a coach at Ajax in 1985.
Johan Cruyff’s viral interaction with Erik ten Hag
At that moment, as reported by SportBible, Johan Cruyff was discussing the topic at a time when the young footballer was shouted at by his coaches.
“But that thing, one coach shouted, happens a lot, doesn’t it? Or doesn’t it happen to you?” said Cruyff.
Erik ten Hag then answered, in a sentence that has now gone viral, in the style of a seasoned soccer coach.
“In my opinion, you have to be careful not to shout at young players too often because that way can destroy the mentality of a (young) player.”
“But at a higher level, like the Ajax first team, it should still be possible. They train almost every day of the week. If they keep making mistakes, of course you can scream at them,” said teenage Erik ten Hag.
Got this answer, Johan Cruyff then asked ten Hag further, “so that means you will have different treatment between academy players and professional footballers?”.
Erik ten Hag then answered simply, “Yes.”
(krs/bay)
