Football fans were left stunned last week as Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, was dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen after just three games in charge.
The Dutch coach, known for his success at Ajax, found himself on the wrong end of what many are calling an “unprecedented” sacking in the Bundesliga.
A Promising Start That Never Took Off
Ten Hag joined Leverkusen in June on a two-year contract to replace Xabi Alonso, who had departed for Real Madrid.
Hopes were high, but results didn’t go his way.
The team lost 2-1 to Hoffenheim on the opening day and later blew a 3-1 lead against Werder Bremen.
After that match, club officials decided enough was enough, citing that “building a new and successful team with this setup is not feasible.”
Early Tensions Behind the Scenes
While the dismissal shocked the football world, insiders suggest the cracks had been forming since July.
According to BILD, disputes started over the sale of Granit Xhaka.
Despite an agreement allowing Xhaka to leave, Ten Hag publicly vetoed the transfer, stating the midfielder was too important to let go.
Yet, shortly after, Xhaka was on his way to Sunderland, highlighting early misalignment between the coach and club management.
Confusing Methods on the Training Ground
As the Bundesliga season approached, with key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Jonathan Tah absent, Ten Hag’s methods reportedly left both players and staff bewildered.
His training sessions were said to be confusing, with an unusual emphasis on press-ups—sometimes considered as crucial as running or passing.
Players were also surprised when Ten Hag skipped a pre-match dressing room speech before their clash against Hoffenheim, adding to the sense of disconnect between coach and squad.
Was Ten Hag the Wrong Fit?
Despite his successful stint at Ajax, many at Leverkusen now question whether Ten Hag was the club’s worst manager in two decades.
His brief tenure is already being called an expensive mistake, with an estimated £4.33 million paid in severance.
At roughly £72,000 per day for his 60 days in charge, it’s a costly misstep for the Bundesliga side.
Ten Hag’s Response to His Sacking
Following his departure, Ten Hag defended himself in a statement via the SEG agency.
He called the dismissal a complete surprise, saying parting ways after just two league matches was “unprecedented.”
He highlighted the challenges of rebuilding a squad after key departures and stressed that a new coach requires time and trust to implement a vision.
He added, “I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success.”
He concluded by thanking Leverkusen supporters and wishing the club well for the season ahead.
What’s Next for the Dutch Coach?
Where Erik ten Hag will go next remains unclear.
One thing is certain: his brief stint at Bayer Leverkusen has left a mark, but not the kind he—or the club—had hoped for.
The Bundesliga side will now look to regroup, while fans and pundits alike reflect on a shocking chapter in European football.