Erik Ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, has shared his views on how modern players react to criticism, suggesting that today's athletes are more sensitive compared to those from his generation. Ten Hag, who was dismissed from his position in October 2024, just months after signing a new two-year contract, believes that the current generation of players finds criticism difficult to handle.
In an interview with SEG Stories, a media outlet linked to his management agency, Ten Hag explained, "This generation tends to take criticism personally. It really affects them. When I was playing, we had thicker skin, and we could handle direct feedback without it impacting us as much."
He continued, stating that in his day, players were more accustomed to straightforward and honest assessments. "If I gave direct feedback to today's players, it would likely demotivate them. They would find it offensive," he added.
Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United saw both successes and challenges. He secured the FA Cup and League Cup during his tenure, but his final season saw the team finish in a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League. His reign was marked by a series of controversies, including high-profile disputes with key players.
One of the most notable incidents was the termination of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract after the player’s infamous interview with Piers Morgan, in which Ronaldo expressed a lack of respect for Ten Hag. Additionally, Jadon Sancho was sidelined after accusing Ten Hag of making him a “scapegoat” for his training performances. Marcus Rashford also faced disciplinary action after missing a training session due to an unauthorized trip.
Former Manchester United defender, Raphaël Varane, recently voiced his surprise at the club's decision to renew Ten Hag’s contract, suggesting that the manager's relationship with the players had deteriorated to the point where it no longer existed.
Ten Hag's comments provide a fascinating insight into the evolving dynamics between managers and players in modern football, where the approach to criticism and feedback seems to be a point of contention.
Source; theghanareport
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