Real Madrid's future: Erik ten Hag the architect of a new era

Milan Keskin

• Updated: 19 Apr 2025 08:42 BST
• 4 min read

News

With Carlo Ancelotti faltering as Real Madrid manager and his future beyond this season looking likely to be away from the Santiago Bernabeu, the question must be asked: who is fit to take over?

Xabi Alonso's name has been circulating in the Spanish capital for months, but behind the scenes Erik ten Hag is also said to be seriously considered as the Italian head coach’s successor. And rightly so.

The 55-year-old Ten Hag has developed into a top coach at European level in recent years.

What he achieved with Ajax – reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 – was already impressive, but his approach at Manchester United shows that he can withstand the pressure that comes with leading a world-class club.

During his time at Old Trafford, Ten Hag showed that he can hold his own at the top level in difficult circumstances. At Real Madrid, he would take his clear football vision, tactical ingenuity and iron discipline.

Tactical ingenuity and European experience

Under Ten Hag, Ajax has grown into a modern collective with attacking, dynamic football. His team dominated against big powers like Real Madrid and Juventus – at the height of their powers – and did so with relatively modest resources.

In his first seasons at Manchester United, he managed to guide the club back to the Champions League and also won the League Cup.

The Real Madrid job, meanwhile, is not just about winning, but about winning in style. The club demands attacking and attractive football, combined with success at the highest level. That is exactly what Ten Hag excels in: tactically flexibility while staying true to his principles.

His ability to integrate young talent – think Antony, Jurrien Timber, Ryan Gravenberch – also fits in seamlessly with the philosophy of Real Madrid, which focuses heavily on talent development through Castilla and acquisitions such as Endrick and Arda Guler.

What sets Ten Hag apart is his leadership style. He does not shy away from confrontation and sets clear boundaries – something that is sometimes lacking with Madrid’s Galacticos. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho clashed under his leadership, but that is a sign of his character and not a weakness. Ten Hag dares to make choices and builds teams that function as a unit.

In recent years, Real Madrid have often been guided by the star status of players. With Ten Hag, a coach arrives who puts the team's interests above all else, his approach could be exactly what the club needs in the post-Ancelotti era.

Culture shock or perfect match?

Although Ten Hag has never worked in Spain before, he is known for his adaptability. His English is fluent, his media skills are masterful, and he has built an international staff around him that guarantees continuity.

Furthermore, a collaboration with sporting director Juni Calafat, responsible for the successful South American purchasing strategy, could lead to a golden mix of talent and structure.

Real Madrid are looking for a successor to an icon. In Erik ten Hag, they would not find a carbon copy of Ancelotti, but a modern alternative: innovative, demanding and proven to be successful at the highest level.

If Florentino Perez really wants to build the Madrid of the future, Ten Hag is the man to lead that project.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store