Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently commented that modern players struggle with criticism, seemingly taking a swipe at his former squad.
Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford lasted just over two seasons, during which he secured the FA Cup and League Cup.
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However, his time with the Red Devils was also marked by conflicts, particularly with players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, both of whom eventually left the club under his leadership. ..Continue Reading
In a recent statement, Ten Hag appeared to subtly criticize his former players by suggesting that today’s footballers are not receptive to feedback about their performance.
Speaking with SEG in his first candid interview since leaving Old Trafford, he said: “A player’s well-being. How they handle media, fan reactions, social media—it affects their game.
“For some it’s positive, for others negative. This generation struggles with criticism — it hits them hard.”
He added: “My generation had thicker skin; you could be much more direct with us. If I used that approach now, I’d demotivate them. They’d be at HR the next day.”
Asked further whether he struggled to be direct with players, Ten Hag said: “You can, but it’s the challenge—same message, different delivery. They’d feel humiliated otherwise.
“We saw it as a gift—unwrap it, get better. The old way was more effective; you knew where you stood and what to fix. Now, you’ve got to be more tactful for the same result.”
And Ten Hag then claimed that responses from players forced him to change his approach to management.
He said: “Over 22 years as a coach, you learn. Early on, I tried the hard approach — my first year, it didn’t work. You adjust, communicate softer—not less firm, just with more care. Our generation found that harder; this one needs it.”
Ten Hag also suggested he could quit football for good. Before that, he had been linked with a number of jobs including at Borussia Dortmund and former team Ajax.
On his future, Ten Hag said: “There are so many other things I could do. Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.
“I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather: they have their own company. But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun.”
