Erik ten Hag’s first press conference as FC Twente sporting director saw some questions about his long-term future.
The local hero shocked the footballing world by stepping away from coaching to return to his former side last week.
Having began the season as Bayer Leverkusen head coach, and having won at Manchester United and Ajax, the move was highly unusual.
With the media sensing a return to the dugout is on the cards at some point, he was asked about an exit clause for the Netherlands national team should Ronald Koeman leave after the World Cup.
“I want to stay here longer and build on that,” he respnded. “That’s what we’re going for.
“I’m never going to talk about if… I’m 100% focused on FC Twente. I’m consciously choosing this position now.”
General manager Dominique Scholten was far more open to the question, though.
“Being the national coach is an honour for every coach,” he said.
“If it comes to that, we’ll sit down together. We’re being down-to-earth here; I understand that’s an honour for every coach.”
Adding more on his arrival, Ten Hag said: “I’m happy and excited to be back. In a role I’ve never had before.
“We want to move forward. I sensed that ambition in the conversations.
“Twente is one of the bigger clubs in the Netherlands. Then it’s possible to win a cup. At the moment, Twente can’t talk about a [league] championship.”
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