Manager Thierry Henry Once Dubbed a “Genius” Shows Interest in Wolves Job

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly held preliminary discussions with the representatives of Erik ten Hag as they continue their search for a new manager. The former Manchester United and Ajax boss is said to be open to the prospect of returning to Premier League management with the struggling West Midlands side.

After a disastrous start to the 2025–26 campaign, Wolves currently sit near the bottom of the Premier League table, having picked up just two points from their opening ten matches. Their winless run and a humiliating 3–0 defeat to Fulham proved to be the final straw for Vitor Pereira, who was dismissed from his role despite signing a contract extension only a few weeks prior.

In the aftermath of Pereira’s departure, Wolves have installed James Collins as interim head coach ahead of their clash with Chelsea. The club’s hierarchy, however, are working urgently behind the scenes to identify a permanent replacement capable of stabilizing results and lifting the mood at Molineux.

Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards is believed to be among the frontrunners for the job. The 41-year-old, who previously spent time at Wolves as both a player and coach, has impressed with his attacking style at Boro. Yet, the Championship side are reportedly reluctant to part ways with him so soon after his appointment in the summer.

According to Football Insider, another intriguing candidate has now emerged: Erik ten Hag. The Dutch tactician, who gained worldwide recognition for his successful spell at Ajax and later took charge at Manchester United, is reportedly interested in holding talks with Wolves regarding the vacancy.

Ten Hag is no stranger to the demands of Premier League management. Appointed by Manchester United in 2022, he guided the club to both an EFL Cup and FA Cup triumph during his two-year tenure. However, inconsistent performances in the league and disappointing European campaigns ultimately led to his dismissal in 2024.

Following a short hiatus from management, ten Hag returned to the dugout in the summer of 2025, taking over at Bayer Leverkusen after Xabi Alonso’s departure. His time in Germany, however, was brief — he oversaw just three matches before being relieved of his duties, leaving him once again available on the market.

Despite recent setbacks, ten Hag’s reputation as a tactically astute and forward-thinking coach remains intact. Football legend Thierry Henry once described the Dutchman as a “genius,” revealing that he had even recommended ten Hag to Barcelona following Ronald Koeman’s sacking. “I will be honest, I am a big fan of ten Hag and I like him very much,” Henry told Manchester Evening News. “He is the coach I recommended to [club president] Joan Laporta after Koeman got sacked at Barca. He is a genius.”

For Wolves, the next managerial appointment will be crucial. With the team entrenched in the relegation zone and confidence at a low ebb, the club need someone capable of delivering an immediate turnaround. Ten Hag, with his top-level experience and reputation for discipline and structure, would represent an ambitious — if somewhat risky — choice.

If the Dutchman does take charge at Molineux, it would mark a fresh start for both parties: a chance for Wolves to rediscover stability, and for ten Hag to rebuild his managerial standing in one of football’s toughest leagues.