Feyenoord approached Erik ten Hag to succeed Brian Priske after Priske was dismissed in February 2025. Ten Hag said he had a long phone conversation with the club, and said his history at Ajax led him to decide against the approach.
The conversation with Feyenoord
FC Twente technical director Erik ten Hag told Goedemorgen Eredivisie: "I had a long phone conversation with Feyenoord. They are a great club and I felt a certain connection with Te Kloese, but my history at Ajax led me to decide against it."
Why he stepped back
Ten Hag said: "And after 17 years of always being on the move as a coach, having carried straight on after my career, I had finally reached a point where I could take a step back for a while."
He added: "To take stock, reflect and do something different for once. Ultimately, I think it was good to take a step back from football for a while."
His current role at FC Twente
When Timo Letschert asked his former coach whether he would ever want to coach Ajax again, Ten Hag said: "I wouldn't rule it out, but before we get any headlines: I'm now technical director at FC Twente and I'm very happy there."
Feyenoord's appointment
Feyenoord eventually appointed Robin van Persie.
