Erik Ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, is set to face a team close to his heart in the Europa League, FC Twente, but also one where tragedies shaped his fledgling career. The 52-year-old Dutch football manager has had a long and storied history with FC Twente, having played for the club three times between 1989 and 2002, spanning nine seasons. In this article, we will delve into the life of Erik Ten Hag and the three tragic events that shaped his career and the club he once played for.
The Plane Crash that Shaped FC Twente
On June 7, 1989, a plane carrying 18 FC Twente players and staff crashed while approaching the airport in Paramaribo, Suriname, killing everyone on board. Among the victims was Andy Scharmin, a talented young player who was supposed to be the next big star in Dutch football. Erik Ten Hag, who was just a young player at the time, was deeply affected by the tragedy. In fact, Ten Hag was a pallbearer at Scharmin’s funeral and still observes a day of mourning every year on June 7.
Ten Hag has spoken publicly about the impact of the plane crash on his life and career. In an interview, he said, “Scharmin was an unimaginable athlete and my friend. I will never forget my team-mate Edwin Hilgerink standing on my doorstep to tell me that a plane had crashed with Andy and his mother on board.” The plane crash was a devastating blow to FC Twente and the Dutch football community as a whole. It’s a tragedy that still resonates today, and one that has had a profound impact on Erik Ten Hag’s life and career.
The Enschede Fireworks Disaster
In 2000, the city of Enschede, where FC Twente is based, was the scene of a catastrophic disaster when a firework warehouse exploded, killing 23 people and injuring hundreds more. The disaster was one of the worst in Dutch history, and it had a profound impact on the city and the football club. Erik Ten Hag, who was captain of FC Twente at the time, led the team out just three days after the disaster and spoke about the emotional match that followed.
The Enschede fireworks disaster was a traumatic event that had a profound impact on the city and its people. The disaster led to a sense of community and solidarity among the people of Enschede, and it’s something that Erik Ten Hag still speaks about today. He said, “The Enschede fireworks disaster was a traumatic event that had a profound impact on the city and its people. It’s something that I will never forget.”
The Car Accident that Took the Life of Tom Krommendijk
In 1990, just a year after the plane crash, FC Twente signed a promising young midfielder named Tom Krommendijk from Feyenoord. Tragically, Krommendijk died in a car accident just a few months after signing for the club. The accident was a devastating blow to FC Twente and the Dutch football community, and it’s another tragedy that has had a profound impact on Erik Ten Hag’s life and career.
Erik Ten Hag has spoken publicly about the impact of Krommendijk’s death on his life and career. He said, “Tom Krommendijk was a talented young player who had a promising future ahead of him. His death was a devastating blow to all of us at FC Twente.” The car accident that took Krommendijk’s life is another tragedy that has shaped Erik Ten Hag’s life and career.
How FC Twente Shaped Erik Ten Hag
FC Twente has had a profound impact on Erik Ten Hag’s life and career. The club has shaped him into the person and manager he is today, and it’s a place that he will always call home. In fact, Ten Hag said, “Twente is the team I follow the most. I watch them as a fan, not as an analyst.” The experiences he had at FC Twente, both on and off the pitch, have prepared him for the challenges he faces as the manager of Manchester United.
Ten Hag’s time at FC Twente was marked by tragedy and loss, but it’s also a time that he will always cherish. The club taught him valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of community, and it’s a place that will always be close to his heart.
Erik Ten Hag’s Coaching Career
Erik Ten Hag’s coaching career has been marked by success and achievement. He retired from playing at the end of the 2001-2002 season and went on to become the head of youth development at FC Twente. He earned his coaching badges and became a respected coach in the Netherlands, working with several clubs before being appointed as the manager of FC Utrecht in 2015.
Ten Hag’s success at FC Utrecht led to him being appointed as the manager of Ajax in 2017. He enjoyed a successful spell at Ajax, leading the club to two league titles and the Champions League semi-finals. His success at Ajax led to him being appointed as the manager of Manchester United in 2022, where he is currently leading the team.
What’s Next for Erik Ten Hag?
Erik Ten Hag’s future is bright, and he has big ambitions for Manchester United. He has spoken publicly about his desire to win trophies and make the club a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. With his experience and success in the Netherlands, Ten Hag is well-equipped to lead Manchester United to greatness.
Ten Hag’s journey from FC Twente to Manchester United has been marked by ups and downs, but he has always remained focused on his goals. He is a true leader and a talented coach, and he is destined for great things in the world of football.