Erik ten Hag Appointed Technical Director of FC Twente
Erik ten Hag has been officially appointed as the new technical director of FC Twente, starting next season. This move comes as John van den Brom continues as the current head coach of the club, creating a dynamic that Ten Hag himself has acknowledged requires alignment of visions.
Ten Hag’s Return to Twente
Ten Hag’s appointment marks a return to the club where he previously served as a youth coach. He joins FC Twente after his tenure at Manchester United concluded. The former Ajax and Manchester United manager will officially begin his role as sporting director in the summer.
Potential for Conflict with John van den Brom
Despite expressing respect for Van den Brom’s experience, Ten Hag has indicated the need for discussions to ensure their footballing philosophies are compatible. In January 2026, Ten Hag stated, “He’s a good coach. He has a lot of experience and has had a lot of success. We know each other a little, but not very deeply. We’ll have discussions and see if our visions align. And then decide from there.” [Footmundo]
This statement prompted a response from Guido Albers, Van den Brom’s agent, who expressed concern that Ten Hag could have offered more direct support. Albers told ESPN, “He could likewise have said he’s happy with John and that their visions align. But he’s saying the opposite.” [Footmundo]
Recent Performance Under John van den Brom
Recently, on February 23, 2026, John van den Brom led FC Twente to a 2-1 victory over FC Groningen. [Twenteinsite] Van den Brom noted the team’s ability to secure a win even when not dominating possession, a shift from previous matches where they struggled to convert dominance into goals.
Prior to the match, Erik ten Hag reportedly offered Van den Brom advice, which the coach described positively: “That is also nice.” [Twenteinsite]
Ten Hag’s Managerial Record
Throughout his career, Erik ten Hag has faced numerous fellow managers. His record against John van den Brom stands at 12 matches, with 5 wins, 1 draw and 6 losses, resulting in a points-per-match ratio of 1.33. [Transfermarkt] He also holds records against other Eredivisie managers such as Henk Fraser (12 matches, 12.08 PPM) and Ron Jans (11 matches, 12.18 PPM). [Transfermarkt]
Looking Ahead
The dynamic between Ten Hag and Van den Brom will be crucial for FC Twente’s future success. The club will be closely watching to see how their visions align and whether Ten Hag’s appointment as technical director will lead to a cohesive and successful footballing strategy.