Speculation rife about Erik ten Hag and the Dutch National Team: 'I think he'll step in'

Robert Maaskant believes Erik ten Hag struggled with his media appearance, finding his communication skills lacking. According to the former coach, Ten Hag stammered, laughed along with jokes, and failed to provide clear answers. "If this man had been a skilled communicator, he would have been an absolute top coach," Maaskant asserted.

However, that's what's missing now, and Maaskant believes it ultimately cost him his job in England. "It leaves room for speculation, and he shouldn't do that. As I heard it, it's very simple. He has a two-year contract, which he will see out, and then he aspires to a role as national team coach. With the Netherlands or elsewhere."

Ralf Seuntjens also listened to the Twente native's words and interpreted them differently. "He never shows his true hand," mused the Lommel SK striker. "He knows more, but because he's stammering so much, he's weighing his words very carefully. He's not giving away what he wants, but I do think there's a possibility he'll take on the national coaching role."

This is due to a very simple reason. "I think Ten Hag would just step in. If the KNVB comes calling and he sees it as a great opportunity, and he has his agreements with Twente... Then he might face some criticism, but that's how the world works."

When asked if he could really do that to his current employer, both men laughed. "I've also left a club before after giving my word. But sometimes things just turn out differently," Maaskant explained. "Nothing is strange in football. A week later, we just move on, and everyone has forgotten about it."

Seuntjens also added: "I also hope that not everything and everyone within FC Twente is dependent on Ten Hag. There's a large organization there that he knows, and Ten Hag always comes with a plan. He will certainly have laid out a plan and a vision. The people who are still there can simply follow up and execute it. He can also do a large part of that, as the next international matches aren't until later."

In the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast, Robert Maaskant and Ralf Seuntjens discuss the latest World Cup updates. They talk about the severe injury to Canadian Koné, Quinten Timber's concussion, and the transfer speculation surrounding Dutch national team players. Is it a distraction, or is it actually positive?

The interview with Erik ten Hag on NOS is also brought up. Would he or wouldn't he talk to the KNVB if they called him? They also speak openly about how a player's private situation affects them at a World Cup. All this and much more in the new episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast. Available daily to listen or watch on your favorite platform.