Has Bayer Leverkusen Found Their New Head Coach in Erik ten Hag?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Erik ten Hag appointed as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
- Begins tenure on July 1 with a two-year contract.
- Successor to Xabi Alonso, who moved to Real Madrid.
- Brings experience from managing Manchester United and Ajax.
- Aims to build an ambitious team during a transformative period.
Leverkusen, May 26 (NationPress) Bayer Leverkusen has named Erik ten Hag as their new head coach after Xabi Alonso opted to join Real Madrid. The Dutch tactician's role will commence on July 1, and he has agreed to a two-year contract.
The 55-year-old was dismissed by Manchester United in October and now re-enters European football with the 2024 Bundesliga champions.
"Bayer 04 is one of the finest clubs in Germany and ranks among the elite in Europe. The club provides exceptional conditions, and I was thoroughly impressed by the management’s discussions. I have joined Leverkusen to build on the ambition demonstrated in recent years. This is an appealing challenge to collaboratively develop an ambitious team during this transitional period," the Dutch coach stated.
Ten Hag's coaching journey began at Go Ahead Eagles in the 2012/13 season, where he achieved promotion to the top tier. He then moved on to coach the Bayern Munich second team, securing the Regional League title in Bavaria.
In 2015, he returned to the Netherlands as head coach and sporting director at FC Utrecht. Shortly after Christmas in 2017, Ajax approached him, and he led them to a league and cup double in the 2018/19 season, including notable victories in the UEFA Champions League against Juventus and defending champions Real Madrid before bowing out to Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals.
"With Erik ten Hag, we have recruited a seasoned coach with remarkable success on the pitch. His six title wins at Ajax were outstanding.
"Our football philosophies align. We aim to continue playing technically demanding and dominant football in the Werkself style while pursuing the highest ambitions in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and Champions League," remarked Bayer sporting managing director Simon Rolfes.