Anne Wong
Erik ten Hag’s journey from FC Twente to Manchester United is more than just about football. It’s a story marked by personal and collective tragedies that shaped his character and career.
The plane crash, car accident, and fireworks disaster at Twente were pivotal moments that molded Ten Hag into the resilient and empathetic leader he is today.
A Tragic Plane Crash
Erik ten Hag’s connection to FC Twente is profound. On June 7, 1989, a plane carrying his teammate Andy Scharmin and 16 other young footballers crashed. They were traveling to Suriname for a pre-season friendly.
In total, 176 people lost their lives in the crash, including Scharmin, 13 teammates, and their coach. The tragedy left a deep scar on the club, and Ten Hag, who was a pallbearer at Scharmin’s funeral, commemorates the victims every year on June 7.
“Scharmin was an unimaginable athlete and my friend,” Ten Hag stated. His teammate Edwin Hilgerink broke the devastating news that day.
Another Loss a Year Later
Just a year after the plane crash, FC Twente faced another tragedy. Tom Krommendijk, a promising midfielder, died in a car accident right after joining the club.
Two players lost in 14 months was a heavy blow. Ten Hag had already moved to De Graafschap, but his ties to Twente remained strong. In a recent news conference, he said, “Twente brought me a lot. I was part of their first youth team.”
The Fireworks Disaster
In May 2000, a catastrophic explosion rocked Enschede, the city of FC Twente. A fireworks warehouse exploded, killing 23 people and injuring 950 others.
Ten Hag, then the captain of Twente, led his team in the first match after the disaster, an emotional 2-2 draw. The tragedy had a lasting impact, and a year later, Ten Hag guided Twente to the Dutch Cup victory.
“These tragedies,” said ex-Twente goalkeeper Snelders, “are why Twente is so close-knit.” The Dutch concept of Noaberschap, looking out for neighbors, defines the club’s ethos.
Developing as a Coach
After retiring from playing, Ten Hag became head of youth development at Twente. He began earning his coaching badges alongside Theo Snelders.
Despite missing some sessions for carnival, Ten Hag was well-regarded and knowledgeable. He even led training sessions under Steve McClaren, who didn’t want to disrupt the team’s culture.
Snelders noted, “Ten Hag cares about people, not just players. He’s very good with young talent and their families.”
Taking the Next Steps
In 2009, Ten Hag moved to PSV Eindhoven as a coach. His influence at Twente was undeniable, but his journey was just beginning.
Over time, Ten Hag made strategic career moves, ultimately managing Manchester United. His time at Ajax showed his talent for developing young players. “What he did there was unbelievable,” Snelders commented.
His caring nature extends beyond players to their families. This holistic approach sets him apart and has been a key to his success.
A Legacy Defined by Tragedy and Triumph
The tragedies at Twente profoundly shaped Ten Hag’s career and character. Despite these harrowing events, he has emerged as a resilient and empathetic leader.
Ten Hag’s story is one of overcoming adversity. The experiences at FC Twente taught him invaluable lessons that define his coaching philosophy today.
As Ten Hag continues to lead Manchester United, the bond with Twente remains unbroken. It’s a testament to how the past shapes the future.
Reflections and Moving Forward
Ten Hag’s journey from Twente to Manchester United reflects resilience, empathy, and growth. Tragedies at Twente played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
As he faces Twente in the Europa League, the memories of lost teammates and the community’s strength remain with him. It’s a reminder of how past hardships can forge a strong, compassionate leader.
Erik ten Hag’s path has been marked by profound losses and triumphs. The events at FC Twente played a significant role in shaping his career and persona.
As he continues to steer Manchester United, the lessons learned from past tragedies remain integral to his leadership style, showcasing the impact of overcoming adversity.
Source: Bbc
