Ten Hag's Ajax edge closer to Eredivisie title
Soon-to-be Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag oversaw a 3-0 win for current side Ajax on Saturday evening, as they extended their then lead at the top of the Eredivisie table to eight points.
The 52-year-old, who has of course agreed to become the Reds' next permanent boss upon the completion of the 2021/22 campaign, is bidding to claim a third Dutch title this season and therefore sign off in the Netherlands in the best possible way.
Ajax were comfortable winners at the Johan Cryuff Arena on Saturday, with Davy Klaassen netting twice after former Southampton man Dusan Tadic had opened the scoring in the first half.
With just three games remaining now for Ajax, Ten Hag will be determined to drive his side over the line in those meetings with AZ Alkmaar, Heerenveen and Vitesse. Six points from the possible nine would be enough to seal the title.
Next weekend's opponents AZ may present the toughest challenge of them all, given Pascal Jansen's team are still in the hunt for European qualification this season.
Closest rivals to the title at present are of course PSV Eidenhoven, who moved back within four points of Ten Hag's side, following their 4-2 win over Willem II.
PSV do however still also have a tricky test of their own to overcome too, as the Red and Whites face third-placed Feyenoord away from home next Sunday.
BIG POINTS ❌❌❌#ajapec pic.twitter.com/QBogswfmgV
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 30, 2022
Given the Dutchman's imminent departure at the end of the season, Ten Hag was keen to clear up that both he and his Ajax players remain firmly concentrated on the job still at hand.
"My players are always focused and that is what we demand," he said at his post-match press conference.
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"That is in our process. What you see, it’s always spirit in this team, the fighting spirit and we need that attitude to win games and, finally, win championships.
"That we will do, but we have to live from game to game. We will do that."
Ajax’s remaining games:
8 May, 15:45 BST: AZ Alkmaar (a)
11 May, 19:00 BST: Heerenveen (h)
15 May, 13:30 BST: Vitesse Arnhem (a)
PSV’s remaining games:
8 May, 13:30 BST: Feyenoord (a)
11 May, 19:00 BST: NEC Nijmegan (h)
15 May, 13:30 BST: PEC Zwolle (a)