Modern Footballers Struggle With Criticism, Says Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag, former manager of Manchester United, claims that today’s footballers struggle to accept criticism and that his generation had “much thicker skin.”
The 55-year-old, sacked in October after a poor start to the season, clashed with several high-profile players during his tenure at Old Trafford.
A few months into the Dutchman’s rule, Cristiano Ronaldo declared that he did not respect Ten Hag, leading to his defection from the team in November 2022.
When Ten Hag claimed he had dropped the England winger due to his training, Jadon Sancho, who is now on loan at Chelsea, responded on social media by saying he was being called a “scapegoat.”
Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, was disciplined by Ten Hag after allegedly being spotted in Northern Ireland’s nightclubs after missing training.
The former United boss told SEG Stories,  , a media outlet attached to his , management agency: “This generation usually find it difficult to deal with criticism. They are truly affected by criticism.
“My generation had much thicker skin,” I said. You could be much more direct with that generation. I was approached much more directly. If I would do that with my current group of players, I would demotivate them. “
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were among the young players who were overseen by Ten Hag, who took over in Ruben Amorim’s hot seat in Old Trafford.
He said young players require” different words and a different approach”.
” (Former United boss Alex) Ferguson also belonged to the previous generation. With that generation, you could be much more direct in your communication and approach, “he said.
” With this generation, you have to convey your message in a more tactful way to get the same effect. You must reciprocate with the player. That was much more challenging than this generation, according to our generation.
Ten Hag, who previously oversaw Ajax, won the League Cup and FA Cup at Old Trafford, but they finished eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest top-flight performance in decades.
Despite his difficulties, he claimed the fans had admired him and appreciated his time at the club.
United have struggled badly under Amorim and are currently 15th in the Premier League ahead of Wednesday’s home match against relegation-threatened Ipswich.
As part of a “transformation plan” to improve financial sustainability, the club announced this week that they anticipate cutting up to 200 jobs.
Source: Channels TV
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