Did Bayer Leverkusen Really Sack Erik ten Hag After Only Two Bundesliga Games?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Bayer Leverkusen has parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag after only two Bundesliga matches. This quick dismissal raises questions about the club's direction and ten Hag's leadership abilities. What led to this rapid decision?
Key Takeaways
- Bayer Leverkusen has sacked Erik ten Hag after just two matches.
- The team drew one match and lost another in the Bundesliga.
- Assistant coaches will manage team training temporarily.
- The club aims to find a new head coach quickly.
- Leverkusen currently sits 12th in the Bundesliga standings.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) Bayer Leverkusen has officially terminated the contract of manager Erik ten Hag following just two matches in the current Bundesliga season, as announced by the club on Monday.
The Dutch coach, who took over from Xabi Alonso in May after the Spaniard moved to Real Madrid, exits after overseeing a draw and a loss during his short stint.
"Bayer 04 Leverkusen has parted ways with head coach Erik ten Hag effective immediately. This decision was reached by the shareholders’ committee, the club’s supervisory body, based on the recommendations from Bayer 04’s executive management. Training responsibilities will be temporarily managed by the assistant coaching staff," the club stated in their announcement.
Currently, Leverkusen is positioned 12th in the Bundesliga standings. The club indicated that the assistant coaching team will take over training duties until a new head coach is appointed.
This decision follows a frustrating 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen over the weekend. Despite Bremen being reduced to ten men after a red card in the 63rd minute, Leverkusen failed to take advantage and conceded a last-minute equalizer from Abdoul Karim Koulibaly, leading to unrest among fans and questions regarding ten Hag’s capability to lead.
“This decision was not made lightly. We did not wish to take this step. However, recent weeks have demonstrated that constructing a new and successful team under this management cannot be effectively achieved. We have faith in the quality of our team and will now endeavor to make the necessary developments with a new configuration,” stated Simon Rolfes, Sporting Director.
Ten Hag arrived in Germany with a distinguished background, having had a successful career at Ajax, where he clinched three Eredivisie titles and led the team to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, famously defeating Real Madrid and Juventus along the way. His accomplishments in Amsterdam positioned him among the most esteemed European coaches of his era.
However, his time at Manchester United was marked by challenges. Despite winning two domestic cups in two and a half years at Old Trafford, his tenure ended in disappointment as the team recorded their worst start to a Premier League season in decades, losing four of their first nine league matches before his dismissal.
Point of View
It's essential to acknowledge that the swift dismissal of Erik ten Hag signals a critical juncture for Bayer Leverkusen. While the club's ambitions are clear, the decision reflects the pressures and expectations inherent in top-flight football. Moving forward, the challenge will be to stabilize and regroup for the rest of the season.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Erik ten Hag sacked?
Erik ten Hag was dismissed due to a disappointing start to the season, with one draw and one loss in two Bundesliga matches.
Who will take over coaching duties?
The assistant coaching staff will temporarily handle training responsibilities until a permanent replacement is appointed.
What were the expectations for ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen?
Ten Hag was expected to build a competitive team following his successful tenure at Ajax, but the club felt that progress wasn't being made.
What is Bayer Leverkusen's current position in the league?
Bayer Leverkusen is currently sitting 12th in the Bundesliga table.
What is the club's next step?
The club will search for a new head coach to lead the team and improve their performance in the league.
