Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
JOE KRISHNAN

Erik Ten Hag flattered by Barcelona and Chelsea links but pledges to stay at Ajax

Erik Ten Hag admits it is an "honour" to be linked with Barcelona and Chelsea, but insists he is happy to remain Ajax coach.

The Dutchman has caught the eye of Europe's elite after guiding the Eredivisie outfit to their first Champions League semi-final in 22 years.

Ten Hag's side beat Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the last four before a heartbreaking last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Tottenham in the second leg, having led 2-0.

Standard Sport understands that Barca have identified Ten Hag and currently Dutch national boss Ronald Koeman as potential replacements for Ernesto Valverde, whose position has been put under scrutiny following their Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool.

But 49-year-old Ten hag, while conceding he is flattered to be linked with such clubs, says he has no intention of leaving Amsterdam.

Heartbreak: Ten Hag's Ajax came within seconds of reaching the Champions League final. (AFP/Getty Images)

"It's an honour to be linked with big clubs like Barcelona, Bayern and Chelsea but I have a contract with Ajax and I am happy here.

"There are no problems for me," Ten Hag told reporters.

"I am happy and I'm planning my future here, I am not thinking about leaving".

Ten Hag has enjoyed a successful first full season at the Johan Cruyff Arena after taking over in December 2017.

The former Utrecht manager is on the brink of sealing the Eredivisie title unless Ajax suffer a calamitous 14-goal swing against De Graafschap on Wednesday, while he also oversaw victory over Willem II to lift the KNVB Cup earlier this month.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.