Erik ten Hag's Immediate Managerial Return Blocked as European Giants Appoint New Boss

Erik ten Hag's hopes of a swift return to management were dashed when Roma announced Claudio Ranieri as their new head coach.

Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United just under three weeks ago after securing only four wins in the first 13 games of the season, had hoped to quickly land another managerial role. Despite extending his contract in the summer, United's controlling co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, made the decision to part ways with the Dutchman.

After Roma sacked Ivan Juric following a disappointing spell, ten Hag was considered a possible candidate for the position. Juric, who had only taken over in September, won just four of his 12 matches in charge, prompting the club to search for a third manager in a season.

However, instead of appointing Ten Hag, Roma have turned to 73-year-old Ranieri, who is coming out of retirement for a third stint at the club. Ranieri had announced the end of his managerial career in May after leading Cagliari to Serie A survival. But the opportunity to return to his hometown club proved irresistible.

Ranieri previously managed Roma between 2009 and 2011, guiding them to a second-place finish in his first season, and had a brief return at the end of the 2018-19 campaign. Roma hope he can turn around their 2024/25 season before transitioning into a senior executive role, where he will assist the ownership with sporting matters moving forward.

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"AS Roma is pleased to announce that Claudio Ranieri is the new Head Coach of the First Team. At the conclusion of the season, Claudio will transition into a senior executive role, where he will be an adviser to the ownership on all sporting matters at the club," the statement read.

"The search for a future coach will proceed over the next months. Claudio will have input in that decision as well. He is a true symbol of the Club’s values and one of the most respected Roman sports figures worldwide.

"The Club extends its best wishes to him for this exciting new chapter in his career, confident that he will be an invaluable asset to the team and to all of AS Roma. Forza Roma and welcome home, Mister!"

Claudio Ranieri has had a distinguished managerial career, with his crowning achievement being leading Leicester City to their historic Premier League title in 2016. Now, he faces a tough challenge at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma are currently in 12th place in Serie A, having secured just three wins so far this season. They are already 12 points behind the top four and are also struggling in the Europa League.

While Ranieri has been brought in as a short-term solution, Erik ten Hag could still be a contender for the permanent role, which would begin in the summer. It remains unclear when the Dutchman plans to return to management or which club he might join, though Roma have long been interested in his services.

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