Erik ten Hag’s Emotional Connection to FC Twente: A Journey Through Tragedy and Growth
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to face FC Twente in the Europa League, a club that holds deep personal significance for him. This connection goes beyond the usual player-club relationship, as it is intertwined with profound tragedy that shaped both his career and the culture of the club itself.
The Legacy of Loss: A Plane Crash and Its Impact
In the heart of Ten Hag’s early career lies the tragic story of his teammate Andy Scharmin. Scharmin was not just a fellow player; he was a star in the making, a captain of the Netherlands Under-21 team, and a close friend of Ten Hag. On June 7, 1989, Scharmin and 16 other young footballers tragically lost their lives in a plane crash while traveling to a pre-season friendly in Suriname. The incident not only claimed their lives but also left a deep scar on FC Twente, affecting the club’s players and supporters profoundly.
Theo Snelders, a former goalkeeper for Twente, recalls the moment Ten Hag learned of the disaster: “I will never forget my team-mate Edwin Hilgerink standing on my doorstep to tell me that a plane had crashed with Andy and his mother on board.” Such events shaped the emotional fabric of the club and Ten Hag’s identity, instilling a sense of responsibility and resilience in him.
The Aftermath of Tragedy: The Loss of Tom Krommendijk
Just a year after the plane crash, tragedy struck again when another Twente player, Tom Krommendijk, died in a car accident. The impact of losing two players in such a short time frame was devastating for the club. Ten Hag had just started to carve out his identity as a player, yet these losses left an indelible mark on him. The collective grief of the team and the community fostered a sense of unity and strength, which Ten Hag would later carry into his managerial roles.
Ten Hag reflected on the emotional ties he has with Twente, stating, “Twente brought me a lot. I was part of their first youth team. Twente is the team I follow the most.” This connection has evidently influenced his approach to management, emphasizing the importance of community and emotional intelligence in sports.
Resilience in the Face of Disaster: The Enschede Fireworks Tragedy
The tragic narrative surrounding Ten Hag and Twente does not end with the loss of players. In 2000, an explosion in a fireworks warehouse in Enschede led to the death of 23 people and left hundreds injured. At the time, Ten Hag was the captain of Twente. Three days post-disaster, he led his team in a match against NAC Breda, embracing the role of a leader in a moment of collective mourning.
Twelve months later, Ten Hag captained Twente to victory in the Dutch Cup, the club’s first trophy in 24 years. This triumph served as a beacon of hope for a community that had endured so much pain. Snelders described the event as a moment that brought joy back to the area, highlighting the Dutch concept of “Noaberschap,” which reflects a strong sense of community and mutual support.
From Player to Coach: Lessons Learned
After retiring from playing, Ten Hag took on the role of head of youth development at Twente, where he began his coaching journey. His early experiences, marked by loss and resilience, shaped his coaching philosophy. Snelders noted that Ten Hag was well-liked and had a natural understanding of the game despite occasionally missing coaching sessions for carnival festivities.
This blend of technical knowledge and emotional intelligence would later define Ten Hag’s managerial success. His ability to connect with players on a personal level, understanding their backgrounds and families, has become a hallmark of his coaching style.
A New Chapter with Manchester United
As Ten Hag prepares to face FC Twente, he carries with him the lessons of his past—lessons of loss, resilience, and the importance of community. These experiences have shaped him into the leader he is today, one who understands the nuances of human emotion in the world of sports. His journey reflects not just personal growth but also the evolution of a club that has weathered storms together.
In a world where the pressures of football can often overshadow the human element, Ten Hag’s story serves as a reminder of the deep connections that bind players, clubs, and communities. As he steps onto the pitch against Twente, he will undoubtedly honor the memories of those lost while striving for new victories, forever intertwined with the fabric of a club he holds dear.