Erik ten Hag’s latest managerial chapter has come to an abrupt end after Bayer Leverkusen dismissed him just 63 days into his tenure, making him the first coach in Bundesliga history to lose his job after only two league matches.
A Turbulent Short Spell
The Dutchman was appointed during the summer following his exit from Manchester United, tasked with rebuilding Leverkusen after club legend Xabi Alonso departed for Real Madrid. Expectations were high, but his stint quickly unraveled.
Reports indicate ten Hag clashed with the club hierarchy over transfer policy, while visible tension among players marred his short reign. The squad, still reeling from the exit of stars such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka, struggled to find stability.
Leverkusen opened the campaign with a 4–0 win over a lower-league opponent in the DFB-Pokal, but could only muster one point from their first two Bundesliga fixtures. A 3–3 draw against Werder Bremen at the weekend highlighted the turmoil, with players arguing over who should take a penalty and captain Robert Andrich questioning the team’s commitment.
Ten Hag Reacts
Reacting to the decision, ten Hag admitted he was stunned by the lack of trust shown by the club.
“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management to place me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented,” he said in a statement released via his agency.
“I started this job with full conviction and energy, but management was unwilling to give me the time and trust I needed. I regret that this was never a relationship built on mutual confidence.”
Club’s Explanation
Leverkusen’s management, however, defended the move, insisting it was necessary to protect the team’s long-term ambitions.
“This decision was not easy for us,” said managing director Simon Rolfes. “The past few weeks have shown that building a successful new team with this setup is not feasible. We believe strongly in the quality of our players and will take the next steps in a new direction.”
Club CEO Fernando Carro added: “A parting of ways at this stage of the season is painful, but it was necessary. We remain committed to our goals and must ensure the best possible conditions for the team to succeed.”
Unwanted Bundesliga Record
According to Opta, ten Hag is now the first manager in Bundesliga history to be dismissed after only two league matches, a record that underscores the severity of the club’s concerns.
Leverkusen, who lifted their first-ever Bundesliga title and a German Cup in the 2023/24 season under Alonso, now face mounting pressure to steady the ship. The club is yet to confirm who will take charge of the first team as they search for a successor.
Looking Ahead
For ten Hag, the dismissal marks another difficult chapter after a rocky end at Manchester United. For Leverkusen, the challenge will be to rebuild quickly and maintain momentum in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive Bundesliga season.
