Patrick Kluivert has thrown his hat into the ring to become Ajax’s next manager. The former Netherlands international says he is ready to take the job on if asked.
Kluivert was speaking to Dutch ESPN, quoted by FCUpdate, and expressed hopes to become a head coach, having worked largely as an assistant manager in various roles since 2010.
The topic of Ajax’s next manager comes up with Erik ten Hag being linked strongly with the vacant Manchester United job. Sky Sports are among many to report the Dutchman is leading United’s shortlist.
The very fact the Ajax job is a topic of discussion for Kluivert speaks volumes for the expectation in the Netherlands that Ten Hag will depart the club at the end of the season.
Kluivert said: “Yes, absolutely. If there is a good project somewhere, I would like to be its head coach. We are currently looking at something fun to do.
“If God wants me to coach Ajax, then I can. I am ready for it myself. I have done other things after my career, now it is time for a bigger club.”
Kluivert has previously worked with youth teams at Ajax and Barcelona, as an assistant at the Netherlands national team, NEC, AZ, and Cameroon, and also as manager at Curacao.
Ten Hag is the favourite of many Manchester United fans for the job, and the club reported to be looking to make a decision shortly. The Mail report United intend to make up their mind by the end of the month, and last night claimed Ten Hag held an interview with Red Devils chiefs on Monday.
Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen has also encouraged Ten Hag to make the move, arguing he has taken Ajax as far as he possibly can.
Driessen told De Telegraaf: “The real hunger has largely been satisfied. If Ajax does not want to be surpassed by PSV and Feyenoord next season, then new impulses are necessary.”
Ten Hag’s Ajax still have plenty to play for this season, with the Dutch Cup final against PSV Eindhoven in April, and then the title run-in. Ajax currently hold just a two-point advantage over PSV.
This tight race means United are unlikely to unveil him early, even if a private agreement is reached, as Ten Hag will want to bow out on a high note and not give weight to any accusations of being distracted by the United rumours.
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