Ten Hag ended his playing career at the end of the following season. He was appointed head of youth development and began to obtain his coaching license together with Snelders, who was now back in the Netherlands.

“Erik and I had to complete 18 sessions and we always went together, except when it was carnival and Erik wanted to go, then he dropped out,” said Snelders.

Despite his occasional absences, ten Hag still received his coaching title because he was “popular” and “already knew his knowledge,” Snelders added.

“He wasn’t exactly the teacher’s favorite, but the teachers always asked, ‘Do you agree, Erik?'”

By his final season at Twente, 2008/09, Ten Hag was already so well integrated into the club that manager Steve McClaren, the former head coach of the England national team, allowed him to attend training sessions for the first two months of his tenure so as not to disrupt the team’s culture.

Ten Hag left the club in 2009 to become coach at PSV Eindhoven after helping to shape the modern Twente. But what influence did the club have on him?

“He cares about people. He’s a very caring soul,” Snelders said. “He cares not only about the player, but about the person and their families.”

“I didn’t think he would coach Manchester United (when he left Twente). But he has taken the right steps to develop and he is very good with young players.”

“He has the talent. He grew even further at Ajax. What he achieved there was incredible.”