Departing Erik ten Hag 'proud and satisfied' as tenure at Ajax ends | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag allowed himself to enjoy his final moments as Ajax head coach despite only drawing 2-2 with Vitesse in his last game in charge.

Brian Brobbey put the Eredivisie champions ahead on the quarter-hour mark at the GelreDome, but a brace from Loïs Openda threatened to inflict defeat on ten Hag’s farewell lap.

However Edson Álvarez nodded home a Steven Berghuis corner three minutes from time to ensure the visitors would finish the season on 83 points, two clear of PSV.

Ten Hag would normally pore over the details of such a result, but he preferred to praise their nearest challengers for creating a proper title race.

“This season PSV had a really strong squad. Ultimately, we performed better and there was a difference,” ten Hag said, per club media.

“We didn’t get many more points than last year, so PSV just did better this season.

“We had strong competition this year. That’s why it gives me a very proud and satisfied feeling that we are champions.”

The 51-year-old, who now leaves for his new job at Manchester United, led Ajax to three league titles, two KNVB Cups and one Johan Cruyff Shield in his five years at the helm.