Bayer Leverkusen have parted ways with Erik ten Hag just two games into the new Bundesliga season, ending his tenure at the club far earlier than expected.
The 55-year-old Dutchman, who was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024, had only been appointed as Xabi Alonso’s successor in May, signing a two-year contract. His departure comes after a disappointing start to the campaign, with Leverkusen picking up only one point from their opening fixtures.
Leverkusen began the season with a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim, followed by a frustrating 3-3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen, in which they squandered 2-0 and 3-1 leads.
In a statement on the club’s website, managing director Simon Rolfes explained the decision:
“Nobody wanted to take this step. However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible.”
CEO Fernando Carro also acknowledged the harsh timing but stressed that it was the right move for the club’s ambitions:
“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.”
Ten Hag arrived at Leverkusen under significant pressure, succeeding Xabi Alonso, who guided the club to a historic league and cup double in 2023/24 before leaving for Real Madrid. His reputation as a disciplinarian and tactician seemed to align with Leverkusen’s ambitions of remaining competitive domestically and in Europe.
However, the early struggles suggested deeper issues in the squad’s transition and adaptation to his methods. The team’s collapse against Bremen, in particular, highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and tactical lapses that fans and analysts alike criticized.
Leverkusen are now expected to appoint an interim coach while the club hierarchy considers long-term options. With a talented squad still capable of competing on multiple fronts, stability will be crucial in the coming weeks.
For Ten Hag, this marks a second dismissal in less than a year, raising questions about his managerial future. Once regarded as one of Europe’s brightest coaches following his success at Ajax, his stock has significantly dropped after difficult spells at Manchester United and now Leverkusen.
