Erik ten Hag discussed the declaration of Steven Berghuis on Friday afternoon during the press conference in the run-up to the duel with NEC. The attacker who came over from Feyenoord felt so threatened and intimidated that he took the step to the police in consultation with Ajax and his management. As far as Ten Hag is concerned, the vicissitudes surrounding Berghuis have no influence on the line-up, although he did not want to say whether the left leg will be kicked off against NEC on Saturday. “We’ll see if he starts tomorrow. In any case, it doesn’t affect my line-up.”
The Telegraph came on Wednesday with the news that Berghuis has received dozens of shocking threats from people who blame him for his transfer to Ajax. “Of course it has been going on for a long time,” Ten Hag says about the case. “I already discussed this theme during his transition, but you do not yet know in what capacity and intensity this will take place. We were prepared for it. Steven was aware of it from the start. We help and support him where possible, But it doesn’t affect him.”
According to Ten Hag, it was necessary to go to the police. “Of course, we are aware of that declaration and he is very aware of it. That naturally also provokes reactions. It is necessary that we draw the line somewhere. You know from the start that the transition entails emotions. We discussed that during his transition. He needs to focus on playing football. He went for this challenge, with an emphasis on challenge, because he wants to get the most out of his career. That’s why he is taking this step.”
Slot responds to Steven Berghuis report during press conference
Arne Slot also elaborated on the situation surrounding Steven Berghuis on Thursday.
Ten Hag emphasizes that the sensitivity of the switch has also been a topic of discussion at the kitchen table with the van Berghuis family. “In his eyes, he opts for an environment where he can be successful and get the most out of his career. I think that every person has a right to that. At his home, of course, they also discussed the theme. You take such a step This has been discussed in our conversations, but this has also been discussed in his private environment.” Ten Hag did not say anything about a possible base place for Berghuis. “We’ll see if he starts tomorrow.”
Finally, the trainer of Ajax says that he admires the way Berghuis is handling it. “In this country the degree of tolerance is very high and we have to accept everything, but there are limits somewhere. You have to have personality to make a declaration and he shows that clearly. He made the choice for Ajax very self-conscious. He has weighed everything: “The sporting field, but also the peripheral matters. He continued the plan and also very consciously takes this step of reporting. Everyone, the entire Dutch society, should support him in this. What is happening is just not normal.”
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