Leverkusen Dismisses Ten Hag After Just Three Games

Erik ten Hag’s Short-Lived Leverkusen Era Ends Abruptly

Bayer Leverkusen’s bold experiment with Erik ten Hag as head coach has ended in dramatic fashion, just three games into the new season. The club announced his dismissal on September 1, 2025, marking one of the shortest managerial stints in Bundesliga history.

From High Hopes to a Sudden Exit

When Erik ten Hag was unveiled as Bayer Leverkusen’s new manager in May 2025, expectations were high. Ten Hag, known for his tactical acumen and previous spells at Ajax and Manchester United, was tasked with succeeding Xabi Alonso, who had led Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title the previous season. The club hoped that Ten Hag would maintain momentum and oversee a successful transition following a summer of significant changes.

However, the reality quickly proved challenging. Leverkusen’s opening Bundesliga fixture saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat at home to Hoffenheim. The loss set an early tone of unease among supporters and club officials alike. In the DFB-Pokal, Leverkusen managed to secure a win, but the performance was less than convincing, with the team showing signs of instability and lack of cohesion. The pressure mounted heading into the third match, a Bundesliga clash away at Werder Bremen.

The Bremen Draw: A Tipping Point

Leverkusen’s 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen on August 30 proved to be the final straw. Despite leading by two goals and playing against ten men after Bremen’s Niklas Stark was sent off, Leverkusen conceded a dramatic 94th-minute equalizer. The collapse, especially under such favorable circumstances, highlighted the team’s struggles to adapt to Ten Hag’s methods and raised questions about the squad’s mentality and tactical discipline.

Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director, commented on the decision: “This was not an easy choice, but the recent weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with the current setup was not effectively achievable.” His remarks pointed to deeper issues within the squad, particularly after the summer departure of several key players, which had left the team in a state of transition and vulnerability.

Challenges Inheriting a Championship Team

Taking over a title-winning side is never straightforward, especially when that squad undergoes significant changes. Ten Hag himself acknowledged the difficulties ahead, stating before the season that he was “no magician” and that patience would be required for the team to gel. The exodus of influential players during the transfer window left gaps that were not easily filled, and the new signings struggled to adapt quickly enough to Ten Hag’s philosophy.

The pressure to deliver immediate results in a club with heightened ambitions proved overwhelming. The club’s hierarchy, wary of losing ground early in the season, opted for a swift change rather than risking a prolonged period of instability.

Third Former Manchester United Manager Sacked in a Week

Ten Hag’s dismissal also comes in the context of a remarkable trend: he is the third former Manchester United manager to lose his job within the same week. This statistic underlines the precarious nature of football management, particularly at clubs with high expectations and recent success.

The rapid turnover also raises questions about the challenges faced by managers moving between top European leagues, and whether the expectations placed upon them are sometimes unrealistic given the circumstances they inherit.

What’s Next for Leverkusen?

Bayer Leverkusen now faces the urgent task of finding a new head coach capable of steadying the ship and reigniting their Bundesliga campaign. The club’s management will need to balance the desire for continuity with the necessity of immediate results to satisfy both fans and stakeholders.

The Bundesliga season is still in its early stages, and while the setback is significant, Leverkusen’s talented squad possesses the quality to recover under the right leadership. The choice of the next manager will be crucial not only for this season but for the club’s longer-term ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

Ten Hag’s Reputation and Future Prospects

For Erik ten Hag, this brief and turbulent spell at Leverkusen represents a setback in his managerial career. After his successful period at Ajax and a challenging stint at Manchester United, Ten Hag’s reputation as a top-level coach has been tested. However, his tactical expertise and experience at the highest level mean he will likely remain a candidate for major roles in European football.

His willingness to take on difficult jobs and his honesty about the challenges involved may yet serve him well as clubs look for leaders capable of navigating complex transitions. For now, however, Ten Hag will be reflecting on what went wrong in Germany and considering his next move.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale in Modern Football

The rapid dismissal of Erik ten Hag from Bayer Leverkusen serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of top-flight football. Clubs with recent success and high expectations often have little patience for transition periods, especially when early results disappoint. As Leverkusen searches for stability, the football world will watch with interest to see how both club and coach respond to this early-season drama.

Sources:

Kicker
Bundesliga News
BBC Sport