ERIK TEN HAG revealed he has a “bond for life” with Hakim Ziyech.
The Manchester United manager and the Chelsea winger were spotted chatting and laughing together on the Old Trafford pitch after Thursday’s match.
A section of Blues supporters were annoyed by Ziyech’s seemingly buoyant mood despite yet another defeat for Frank Lampard’s side.
Asked about the conversation, Ten Hag refused to go into specific details but spoke glowingly of the Morocco winger.
He told Viaplay: “That is between Hakim and me.
“We have experienced a lot together, beautiful things. There is a bond for life.”
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Ten Hag managed Ziyech at Ajax from 2017 until 2020, when the forward joined Chelsea for £33.3million.
They won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup together in Ten Hag’s first full season in 2018-19.
The duo also reached the Champions League semi-finals with Ziyech playing an important role in the memorable victories over Real Madrid and Juventus.
However, the 30-year-old’s spell at Chelsea has failed to live up to expectations – despite lifting the Champions League in 2021.
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Ziyech has scored just 14 goals in 107 appearances for the club across three seasons – with zero in 24 this term across four different managers.
He was set to leave for Paris Saint-Germain on loan in January but a deal fell through at the 11th hour.
And with the likes of Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling all arriving at Stamford Bridge this season, he looks destined to leave in the summer as Tottenham consider a swoop.
In the meantime, Ziyech is being limited to a bit-part role with no Premier League starts since February 26.
Ten Hag, though, reckons his former star deserves more game time to showcase his talent – either at Chelsea or away from the club.
He added: “He has to play every week.
“A footballer like that, in the prime of his life, must be on the pitch.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
