Syed Talib
Updated on: October 14, 2024 8:21 am GMT
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is gearing up to face FC Twente, a club deeply rooted in his personal history, during the Europa League opener. This match is more than just a game; it’s a poignant reminder of the tragedies and triumphs that shaped Ten Hag’s early career and life. Behind the scenes, the emotional connection he has to Twente adds a layer of complexity to an already pivotal match for United.
Deep Personal Connections
Ten Hag’s ties to FC Twente run deep, tracing back to his days as a young player and later as a coach. Spanning over nine years and multiple roles, his experiences at the club resonate with both pride and sorrow. Choosing to reflect on these moments, he shared in a press conference, “Twente has brought me a lot. I was part of their first youth team and there is a great deal of history there.”
- Early Career: Ten Hag began his professional journey in Twente’s youth system, marking the start of an extensive football journey.
- Coaching Role: After retiring as a player, he returned to the club to shape young talent.
- Lifelong Fan: Even now, he admits, “Twente is the team I follow the most.”
However, his connection to Twente is intertwined with moments of heartache, as several tragedies have marked the club’s history during Ten Hag’s formative years.
A Legacy of Tragedies
The backdrop of Ten Hag’s relationship with FC Twente is marred by three significant tragedies that struck the club, profoundly affecting everyone involved.
Plane Crash of 1989
In June 1989, the football world was shaken when a plane carrying 17 young footballers, including Ten Hag’s teammate Andy Scharmin, crashed, claiming 176 lives. Theo Snelders, a former goalkeeper at Twente, recalled the devastating impact the event had on the club and the community. “It was a huge tragedy for the club,” he shared.
Ten Hag described Scharmin as “an unimaginable athlete and my friend.” The weight of grief was profound, with the players serving as pallbearers at Scharmin’s funeral. This event left an indelible mark on Ten Hag, who honors the memory of this tragedy with a personal day of mourning each June 7.
Car Accident of Tom Krommendijk
Only a year later, FC Twente faced another heartbreaking loss when midfielder Tom Krommendijk died in a car accident shortly after joining the club. The abrupt loss profoundly affected the team and underscored the fragility of life.
Ten Hag, still embedded in the club and freshly transitioned to professional play, felt the impacts of such tragedies. “Two players dying in 14 months… it was a tough time,” he recalled, reflecting on both his and the team’s experiences.
The Enschede Fireworks Disaster
In May 2000, the city of Enschede, where the club is based, faced a catastrophic disaster known as the Enschede fireworks disaster. An explosion at a fireworks warehouse led to 23 deaths and thousands of injuries, with the nearby suburb of Roombeek requiring extensive rebuilding. At the time, Ten Hag was captain of FC Twente, and the impact of the tragedy rippled through the community and the team he led.
Despite the overwhelming sadness, the club’s ability to recover was showcased when Ten Hag guided Twente to their first Dutch Cup victory in 24 years. “That brought so much joy to the area,” Snelders commented, highlighting the sense of community that emerged even amid sorrow.
Resilience and Growth
These tragedies not only shaped Ten Hag’s character but also influenced his approach to management. His former teammate, Snelders, noted, “He cares about people. He is a very caring soul. He is not just interested in the player, but also the person and their families.”
Through his experiences, Ten Hag has cultivated a style marked by understanding and development, particularly with younger players. His transition from player to an influential manager encapsulates a journey of growth fueled by the trials he faced at Twente.
Impact on Coaching Philosophy
Ten Hag’s philosophy as a coach is deeply shaped by the interpersonal connections he formed during his time at Twente.
- Emphasis on Mental Health: Understanding the weight of personal tragedy, Ten Hag fosters an environment prioritizing player welfare.
- Focus on Community: Inspired by the Dutch concept of “Noaberschap” (neighborliness), Ten Hag instills a sense of community within his teams, echoing the support system he experienced in Enschede.
Even after years in various coaching roles and leading prestigious teams like Ajax, Ten Hag hasn’t forgotten the roots provided by FC Twente. His journey showcases how hardship can lead to resilience and compassion in coaching.
A Bittersweet Match Ahead
As Manchester United prepares to face FC Twente, Ten Hag enters the match with mixed emotions. The nostalgia and the weight of lost friends serve as a reminder of where he started and the path that has brought him success at one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
“I wish we were not drawn against Twente,” Ten Hag admitted, acknowledging the personal significance of the encounter. It’s clear that this match holds more than just the potential for points in the Europa League – it represents a poignant chapter in Ten Hag’s life.
On Wednesday, when United steps onto the field, the club’s leaders will know that this game is more than just a strategy or competition. For their manager, it’s a special moment filled with strong emotions, bringing back memories of both tough times and hopeful moments. For the fans, whether they’ve been cheering for a long time or are new to the team, this match is a chance to celebrate the spirit of FC Twente and recognize how the team’s history has influenced their manager.
