Bayer Leverkusen have shown Erik ten Hag the exit door after only two Bundesliga games, cutting short what was expected to be a fresh chapter for the Dutch coach in Germany.
The 55-year-old was appointed in May following Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid, but his reign barely got off the ground. One point from two matches was enough for the club’s board to make a swift and decisive call.
His debut outing ended in a 2–1 home defeat to Hoffenheim, followed by a chaotic 3–3 draw against Werder Bremen, where Leverkusen twice threw away a strong lead despite facing ten men. That collapse proved costly, sealing Ten Hag’s fate far sooner than anticipated.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted the decision was tough but unavoidable:
“This step wasn’t easy for us, but the last few weeks made it clear that the project couldn’t move forward in the right direction.”
CEO Fernando Carro echoed the sentiment, describing the split as painful but necessary to protect the team’s ambitions this season. For now, assistant coaches will handle training while the search for a permanent replacement begins.
Ten Hag had signed a two-year deal meant to continue Alonso’s legacy after the Spaniard guided Leverkusen to a stunning league and cup double last season. Instead, his stint ends almost before it began, leaving another dent in his career after parting ways with Manchester United less than a year ago.
