Erik ten Hag linked with huge job after watching European giants in action
Erik ten Hag is waiting in the wings at Borussia Dortmund, having been a ‘frequent guest’ of the club since his dismissal as Manchester United manager.
The Dutchman left Old Trafford in October and has visited the German club since, including for Friday’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
Sky Germany report that Ten Hag was shown round the ‘business area’ and chatted with technical director Sven Mislintat, the former Arsenal man.
The former Manchester United boss enjoys a good relationship with Dortmund chief advisor Matthias Sammer who brought the Dutch coach to Bayern as reserve team boss.
Despite all these links, the report states that Dortmund have no intention of appointing Ten Hag any time soon, with current manager Nuri Sahin still enjoying the backing of the club’s hierarchy.
However, this could change if the inexperienced boss cannot turn around the recent underwhelming results.
Dortmund have won just one of their last five Bundesliga matches and sit eighth in the table after a 3-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen last time out.
The Dortmund chiefs are not panicking, but they will lose patience with Sahin if it becomes clear his side will not finish in the top four.
They are currently just five points adrift of RB Leipzig in fourth place, so the Turkey international has time to turn things round.
The 54-year-old has kept a pretty low profile since leaving Manchester United, having thanked the club and fans for their support during his tenure.
In an open letter in November, Ten Hag wrote: ‘Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable.
‘The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.
‘I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad. We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
‘Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end. I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.’
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