Maybe I am trying to connect dots that are not there, but after reading the athletics tactical piece on him it feels like he was always the plan B after TH, he likes a striker who drops deep and plays in the wingers (zirkzee), he likes 3 atb ( we signed two CBs), Ugarte played under him before he went to PSG. He is known for bringing youth players through.
It so sort of does seem planned to some extent as they only gave TenHag 1 year extension, had already talked to other managers. I think they were hoping to have TH get the team through the year in a reasonable state for the new guy to take over next year, but seems theyve had to accelerate the plans a bit.and just accept they will have to pay the compensation for the new manager.