Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been swiftly sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after overseeing just two Bundesliga matches, despite having only been appointed this past summer.
Ten Hag, 55, was hired in May on a two-year contract to succeed Xabi Alonso, who had led Leverkusen to a league and cup double before moving to Real Madrid.
Reason for Termination:
- Poor Start: Leverkusen earned only one point from their first two league games. They lost 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim and then conceded a 3-3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen, despite holding leads of 2-0 and 3-1.
- Club Statement: Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes acknowledged that “Nobody wanted to take this step,” but explained that the recent weeks showed “that building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible.”
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro called the early parting “painful” but insisted it was “necessary” to remain committed to the club’s goals for the season.
