Bayer Leverkusen, in an unprecedented move, sacked their Manager Erik Ten Hag after just two games in the Bundesliga and about 3 overall. It became one of the shortest stints for any Manager in Germany.
First-time winners of the Bundesliga in 2023-24 under Xabi Alonso, without losing a single game, and runners-up last season, Bayer Leverkusen roped in Erik Ten Hag to helm their team after Xabi Alonso travelled to Spain to coach Real Madrid.
The rumours were that Leverkusen wanted Spaniard Cesc Fabregas ( coaching Serie A Club, Como) in place of Alonso, but since that didn’t materialise, the German Club signed Ten Hag in May. The Dutchman had been removed by Manchester United in October 2024 after a poor run in the EPL, and was available for taking up Managerial duties.
Ten Hag had his hands full as a spate of transfers happened at Leverkusen and was required to build the team, particularly with the exit of Leverkusen’s mainstay Granit Xhaka.
As the Bundesliga season 2025-26 got underway, Leverkusen were stunned on Match Day 1 by Hoffenheim ( the club was placed 15th out of 18 teams and had escaped relegation last season). Leverkusen lost 1-2 after opening the scoring. They enjoyed possession but were completely lackadaisical when it came to attack. Hoffenheim had many more hits on goal than Leverkusen. The opening day loss just did not go down well with the Leverkusen management.
In the second game against Werder Bremen, Leverkusen spurned a 3-1 advantage and allowed a late goal for Werder Bremen to draw. The defending from Leverkusen was much criticised as they threw away the advantage. The match was drawn 3-3, and Erik Ten Hag was sacked the next day, on the morning of 31st August. His contract, which was till 2027, was terminated with immediate effect.
Leverkusen had looked a bit underprepared in both matches, which may have led to the decision.
The question was whether the decision was taken in haste and whether Ten Hag had been given a fair chance with the team. Not to forget that Leverkusen had lost its core group of players and was on shaky ground.
Unfortunately, Ten Hag was at the wrong place at the wrong time and faced the brunt of the Owners’ ire.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory YouTube Channel