Manchester United Treble winner Jaap Stam has warned Erik ten Hag he must learn to handle the spotlight.
Ten Hag is expected to be named United manager next week, though both he and Ajax have taken issue with the amount of interest and pressure that is arriving from the English media.
Stam told AD: “If United are interested or if a big deal is on the way, they will follow that person closely. That will be no different at Ajax now. There will also be more and more English press to question him about United, even if he does not want to.
“You have to be able to manage that, because everything is quoted. Private too. Paparazzi are everywhere, even if you just walk into town. Ten Hag is not the type to do crazy things. They will also pay attention to how he comes across.
"If you're there longer, you get used to it, but you have to get through it.
“The club management can paint a positive image at the front, but it is also important that you immerse yourself in the group. Based on that, and with your own philosophy as a starting point, you can determine what you can do best."
Stam continued: "Big clearout? Something has to change, but you can't say 'these fifteen players have to go and these ten stay'. There are many big contracts. But a selection is crucial for a breath of fresh air and success. The way of playing also determines the result.
"You can expect a lot, but it becomes difficult if they are not in the right place or do not fit into your system. That is why a trainer is required who is demanding and who says in detail what needs to be done. That includes some reinforcements. That is obvious."
Stam concluded: “In the Premier League there are good players at every club. You really have to make a difference in the way you play. It may take you a long time to achieve that. In addition, there is a world of difference between the competition in the Netherlands and England.
"Ajax has by far the largest budget in the Eredivisie. There, a trainer is mainly judged on European competitions. In England there are three high-level matches every week. There is also a different way of managing and working."