By: Kwame Bediako
Bayer Leverkusen have dismissed manager Erik ten Hag after just two league matches in charge, with the recent 3-3 draw at Werder Bremen proving insufficient to save the Dutch coach’s role. The decision comes shortly after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim in their opening Bundesliga fixture, placing immediate pressure on Ten Hag’s tenure at the club.
Leverkusen Sporting Director Simon Rolfes expressed the difficulty of the decision, stating, “This decision was not an easy one for us. Nobody wanted to take this step.” Rolfes added that recent weeks highlighted the challenges in building a successful team under the current setup, which ultimately led to the management change.
Ten Hag had taken over the reins in May, replacing Xabi Alonso, who left to manage Real Madrid. This marked Ten Hag’s return to management after his sacking from Manchester United in October the previous year. Despite Ten Hag’s credentials, his short reign failed to bring immediate results to a club with high expectations.
Leverkusen had a remarkable previous campaign, finishing second in the Bundesliga last season under Alonso’s leadership. Alonso had led the club to historic glory in the 2023–2024 season, securing their first Bundesliga title without losing a single game and also achieving a domestic double.
