Erik ten Hag - "If there's one thing I miss, it's Old Trafford"

The second season of the SEG Stories podcast kicks off with coach Erik ten Hag, who immediately reveals a first: he won't be available for a new coaching challenge until July. Ten Hag is taking all the time he needs to reflect after his time at Manchester United. The former Manchester United manager speaks more candidly than ever with host Joost Hofman. He's been in coaching for 22 years now. Always focused on football, the team, the club. "It's always ongoing. Because of that, my social life is limited. But you get a lot in return." Regarding the highlights of his time at Ajax: "The match against Real Madrid in the 2019 Champions League is still vividly etched in my mind. The team was spot on. There was so much football intelligence in them, so much ball control, so much team spirit. A fantastic team and a great time." Ten Hag also discusses the "elephant skin" of his generation and how that differs from today's football talents, the loss of Old Trafford, and how his wife contributed to FC Utrecht's qualification for European football. ______________________________ Note: English subtitles are available! Please select them using the options in the bar underneath the video. ______________________________ 🇬🇧 ENGLISH: "I'm not doing anything until July" Erik ten Hag will not be available for a new coaching role until July at the earliest. The former manager, whose adventure at Manchester United ended last October, is taking time to reflect before considering his next move. He shares this exclusive news in the first episode of Season 2 of the SEG Stories podcast, out today. In an open and candid conversation with host Joost Hofman, Ten Hag reflects on his 22-year coaching career. “Football never stops. You're always thinking about the next match. At the same time, you've got to keep an eye on the bigger picture and shape your long-term vision. You have to sacrifice things, my social life is pretty limited. But you get a lot in return. That's what makes it worth it for me.” Speaking about his time at Manchester United, he says: “I really enjoyed it. English football, the fans… People would come up to me on the streets of Manchester—always positive, always engaged. We gave them two trophies after six years without silverware, and they really appreciated that.” Ten Hag admits he misses Old Trafford: “Before every match, I'd take a moment to walk out onto the pitch alone while the stadium was still empty. It's such an iconic place. I'd soak up the atmosphere, process the emotions. If there's one thing I miss right now, it's Old Trafford.” Looking back on the highlights of his time with Ajax, he says: “The match against Real Madrid in the 2019 Champions League is still fresh in my mind. The team was perfect in every way—so much football intelligence, technical skill and team spirit. But above all, the confidence and street smarts. It was an incredible team and an amazing period.” The SEG Stories podcast with Erik ten Hag is available now on all major platforms. Or watch it on the SEG Stories channel on Youtube. SEG Stories, produced by international management agency SEG, shares inspiring stories from the world of elite sports and entertainment. SEG Stories is hosted by Joost Hofman. ______________________________ www.seginternational.com www.segstories.com @seg.hq @segfootball @segcycling @segartists @segesports @segstories