Is Former United Coach Ten Hag Struggling with Leverkusen's Complete Relaunch?
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Synopsis
Bayer Leverkusen, the 2024 Bundesliga and German Cup winners, are facing mounting pressure as they undergo a significant squad transformation under Erik ten Hag. With a shaky start to the season, the team's captain highlights a lack of cohesion, pointing to the urgent need for unity and self-motivation among players. Will Ten Hag find the magic to turn things around?
Key Takeaways
- Leverkusen has started the season poorly with only one point from two matches.
- Coach Erik ten Hag is under pressure to unify the squad.
- Team captain Robert Andrich highlights the need for player accountability.
- Key players have departed, complicating the rebuild.
- Upcoming matches will be pivotal for the club’s direction.
Berlin, Aug 31 (NationPress) Tension is rising around Bayer Leverkusen, the champions of the 2024 Bundesliga and German Cup, as the club grapples with a significant squad transformation and an unstable start under new head coach Erik ten Hag.
Leverkusen has managed to secure only one point from its initial two league encounters, suffering a 2-1 home defeat and allowing a 3-1 lead to slip away in a 3-3 draw against Bremen, according to reports from Xinhua.
Team captain and German international Robert Andrich expressed his concerns about the lack of unity, stating, “I don't know if I have experienced something like that in Leverkusen.” He criticized the team's disjointedness, adding, “Everyone seems busy with himself; it's up to the coach to create stability.”
Andrich continued, “If everyone is only playing for themselves, you don't have to start at all.”
Facing scrutiny, coach Ten Hag called for patience, asserting he requires time to unify the squad. “To at first have all players around to get things into place,” he noted, while recognizing that “a lot was missing in the team.”
Reports from German media outlets Kicker and Bild indicate that there are “first doubts” emerging within the club’s management, suggesting that the Dutch manager may be under a “last chance” when Leverkusen faces Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.
The club is undergoing a comprehensive rebuilding phase following the exit of star coach Xabi Alonso and several key players. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, and Jonathan Tah have all departed for the Premier League, while Piero Hincapie is reportedly heading to Arsenal.
Ten Hag acknowledged, “We deal with the most significant possible change. It takes time to install a new hierarchy.”
Andrich emphasized the need for spirit and leadership, yet highlighted the players’ accountability: “In the end, it is up to our players to get things done on the pitch,” he said. “It's all about the self-motivation of the players.”
New signing Malik Tillman, who joined from PSV, made his debut against Bremen, while former Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez is expected to be fit for the Frankfurt match.
However, on-field issues remain prominent. After Bremen went down to 10 men due to a red card over an hour into the match, Leverkusen squandered its lead. “We gambled away a lead, which makes me angry,” remarked Tillman.
Discontent also surfaced when Patrik Schick, who netted twice, and Exequiel Palacios clashed over a penalty. “This is unacceptable for a team. We have clear orders,” Ten Hag commented, noting that Andrich had to step in to resolve the conflict.
Ten Hag confessed that he is “not a magician” but emphasized the necessity for hard work and progress during the international break.
Point of View
It’s crucial to understand that Bayer Leverkusen is in a transformative phase following the departure of key figures. Erik ten Hag’s challenge is substantial, but with time and the right strategies, he could potentially reshape the team. The players must also step up to meet expectations.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges is Erik ten Hag facing at Bayer Leverkusen?
Erik ten Hag is dealing with a significant squad overhaul, following the exits of key players and a shaky start to the season with only one point from two matches.
How has the team captain reacted to the situation?
Team captain Robert Andrich has expressed concerns over the lack of unity within the squad, emphasizing that players must take responsibility for their performance on the pitch.
What is the outlook for Leverkusen in the upcoming matches?
Leverkusen faces Eintracht Frankfurt soon, and the match is critical for Ten Hag as it may determine his future at the club.
