Bayer Leverkusen have sacked head coach, Erik ten Hag after just two competitive league matches in charge, with the Dutchman admitting he was “completely surprised” by the decision and claiming there was never “mutual trust” from the club’s board.
The former Manchester United boss calls decision “unprecedented” amid turbulent summer overhaul in the camp of the former Bundesliga champions.
Ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso in May on a two-year deal after Alonso’s move to Real Madrid, but his brief tenure has ended abruptly following a poor start to the 2025-26 Bundesliga season.
Turbulent Start to Life in Germany for Ten Hag
Leverkusen began the season with a DFB-Pokal first-round win over fourth-tier SG Sonnenhof on August 15 but have failed to win either of their opening Bundesliga matches, suffering a home defeat to Hoffenheim before a dramatic 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen.
The club’s shareholders’ committee approved the dismissal on the recommendation of Bayer’s management, citing concerns over Ten Hag’s tactical approach and team cohesion following a summer of major squad upheaval.
Ten Hag: “Unprecedented” and “Never About Trust”
In a statement released through his management agency SEG Football, Ten Hag strongly criticized the decision:
“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise,” Ten Hag said.
“To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented”.
“This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust.”
“A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play.
“I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret.”
“I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
“Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Bayer Leverkusen supporters for their warmth and passion, and I wish the squad and staff every success for the remainder of the season.”
Ten Hag’s Brief Tenure
Ten Hag’s dismissal marks one of the shortest managerial reigns in Bundesliga history.
The Dutchman joined Leverkusen after leaving Manchester United, where he won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and guided the club to a Champions League return before being sacked in 2024.
While Alonso’s Leverkusen played expansive, attacking football, Ten Hag’s conservative style reportedly failed to resonate with the dressing room, prompting the club to act swiftly.
Mass Player Turnover Adds to Turmoil
Leverkusen’s summer was marked by significant changes following Alonso’s departure, with several key players from the 2024 Bundesliga-winning squad leaving.
Stars such as
- Jeremie Frimpong,
- Florian Wirtz,
- Amine Adli,
- Odilon Kossounou,
- Granit Xhaka,
- Lukas Hradecky, and
- Jonathan Tah
all exited the club.
The club spent around €170 million ($199m) to rebuild, signing
- Malik Tillman,
- Jarell Quansah,
- Eliesse Ben Seghir,
- Loïc Badé,
- Ibrahim Maza,
- Mark Flekken, and
- Ernest Poku.
Club Leaders Defend Decision
Leverkusen’s managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes, insisted that the decision was “not easy” but necessary:
“This decision was not an easy one for us. Nobody wanted to take this step,” Rolfes said.
“However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this setup is not feasible.”
“We firmly believe in the quality of our team and will now do everything we can to take the next steps in our development with a new setup.”
CEO Fernando Carro also revealed that saking Ten Hag was a painful decision:
“A parting of ways at this early stage of the season is painful, but we felt it was necessary.”
“We remain committed to achieving our goals for the season and to do that, we need the best possible conditions at all levels and across the entire first team.”
“Now it’s a matter of fully implementing and utilising these conditions again.”
Frustrations Boil Over in Dressing Room
Tensions were evident after Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Bremen, in which Leverkusen surrendered a two-goal lead. Captain Robert Andrich publicly criticized the squad’s mentality:
“Everyone played for themselves, everyone ran around the pitch on their own. We have too many players who are preoccupied with other things or only with themselves.”
“I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced that at Bayer,” Andrich said.
“The disastrous final phase [of the draw] was a symbol of our current situation. This has nothing to do with any unrest, player transfers or legal proceedings.”
