Erik ten Hag's immediate managerial return closed off as European giants hire new boss

Erik ten Hag's hopes of making an immediate return to management have been dashed after Roma announced Claudio Ranieri as their new boss.

Ten Hag after winning only four of the first 13 games of the season with . He had , but controlling co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe opted to let the Dutchman go.

The former United boss , after the Italian giants sacked Ivan Juric. The Croatian was only appointed in September to replace Daniele de Rossi, but won just four of his 12 games in charge.

That sparked Roma's search for a third manager of the season and Ten Hag had been floated as a possible option. Instead though, the Serie A side have brought Ranieri out of retirement for a third spell as manager.

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The 73-year-old had announced the end of his career in May after guiding Cagliari to survival. But the chance to again manage his hometown club has proven to be too good to turn down.

He previously managed them between 2009 and 2011, guiding them to a second-place finish in his first season, and again for two months at the end of the 2018-19 campaign. And Roma are hoping he can turn their 2024/25 around, before aiding in the search for a long-term successor.

"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 club said.

"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!"

Ranieri has enjoyed a storied career, with the highlight being guiding to a remarkable title win in 2016. He appears to have his work cut out for him at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma currently sit 12th in Serie A, having won just three league games so far this term. They are 12 points adrift of the top four and are also struggling in the .

Ten Hag could well still be a candidate for the permanent job, which would begin in the summer. It is not yet known when the Dutchman would like to return to the dugout or in which country, though Roma are long-time admirers of him.

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