EX-CHELSEA coach Henk ten Cate declined the chance to manage Ajax in favour of launching an acting career, according to reports.
The 68-year-old was assistant manager at Stamford Bridge for one year in 2007, working alongside Avram Grant.
They guided Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008, eventually losing to Manchester United on penalties before they were sacked soon after.
Ten Cate was previously assistant to Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona and also managed Ajax’s first-team for one season.
The Dutch club is currently in crisis with them sitting last in the Eredivisie and bottom of their Europa League group.
It led to riots by their own fans at the Johan Cruyff Arena and the sacking of manager Maurice Steijn.
With Ajax searching for a new boss, reports state that the club approached Ten Cate about the role only for him to turn them down.
Journalist Johan Derksen claims he rejected a return because he is forging a career in acting.
Ten Cate is starring in Sleepers on Videoland.
He plays a cop in the ten-part crime drama show.
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Derksen said: “Henk didn’t do it for a very strange reason.
“He will play the role of chief inspector in a police series Sleepers.
“I don’t think Henk was in the mood either, because Henk has seen this player material and thought I will never come with this mess.”
Ajax instead appointed their former player and ex-Dutch international John van ‘t Schip.
He has joined as an interim until the end of the season.
