Bayer Leverkusen fires Erik Ten Hag following two Bundesliga fixtures
In a surprising turn of events, Erik Ten Hag, the former manager of Manchester United, has been let go by Bayer Leverkusen midway through the 2024-25 season. This early departure breaks the previous record of a coach being fired after just five matches in the Bundesliga.
Ten Hag joined Leverkusen as the successor to Xabi Alonso in October 2024, taking charge of the team following a 5-1 loss against Flamengo's under-20s team in his first match. The Dutch tactician was tasked with bedding in more than a dozen new signings, including Malik Tilmann, Jarell Quansah, and Eliesse Ben Seghir, who joined the club this summer for a combined cost of €102 million ($120 million) plus bonuses.
However, the results did not reflect the significant investment made in the squad. Leverkusen claimed just one point from their first two Bundesliga fixtures, losing 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim and drawing 3-3 against a 10-man Werder Bremen, having led 2-0 and 3-1.
The sporting director of Leverkusen, Simon Rolfes, stated that the steps to build a new team have not been effective. The team also lost several core members over the summer, including Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, and Lukas Hradecky.
Despite the poor performance, Ten Hag's departure was not unexpected. Reports suggest that he was facing the sack, and his short tenure at Leverkusen was marked by rumours of potential dismissal.
Fernando Carro, the CEO of Leverkusen, described the decision to fire Ten Hag as "painful, but necessary." The search for a new manager has already begun, with Kasper Hjulmand, who previously coached the Denmark national team and also has Bundesliga experience with Mainz 05, taking over as the successor to Ten Hag. He signed a contract until 2027 and made his debut in September 2025.
Ten Hag's departure from Leverkusen comes just over a year after he was named United manager in July 2022. During his time at Old Trafford, he led the team to victories in the FA and League Cups. However, his tenure at Manchester United ended in October 2024, preceding his move to Leverkusen.
As Ten Hag moves on from Leverkusen, the club will be hoping for a fresh start and a return to form in the second half of the season under their new manager.
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