Erik ten Hag Reflects on Modern Footballers and Handling Criticism
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up about the challenges today’s footballers face when dealing with criticism, comparing it to the resilience of players from his era.
Ten Hag, 56, was dismissed in October, just months after signing a two-year contract extension. His time at the club was filled with both achievements and conflicts, including notable clashes with key players.
Changing Mentality in Football
In an interview with SEG Stories, a platform associated with his management agency, Ten Hag shared his observations on how football has evolved.
“This generation struggles with criticism. It affects them deeply,” he explained. “Back in my time, players had much thicker skin. Conversations were more direct.”
He pointed out that a tough approach doesn’t always work with today’s players. “If you’re too straightforward, they might take it personally rather than as motivation,” he added.
Turbulent Time at Manchester United
Ten Hag’s tenure at United saw highs and lows, including FA Cup and League Cup victories. However, the team’s struggles led to their worst Premier League finish in years, landing in eighth place.
His time at the club was also marked by high-profile disputes. Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract was terminated after the forward publicly criticized Ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan. Jadon Sancho was later dropped from the squad after accusing the manager of unfairly making him a “scapegoat” for poor performances.
Marcus Rashford also faced disciplinary action after missing training following an unapproved trip to Belfast.
Despite the challenges, Ten Hag’s leadership left a lasting impact, and his insights continue to spark discussions about modern football’s evolving dynamics.
