Bayer Leverkusen Sack Erik Ten Hag After Disastrous Bundesliga Start

Bayer Leverkusen have fired manager Erik ten Hag a few weeks into the Bundesliga season. This follows poor results and rising pressure on the team.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag became Leverkusen‘s head coach in May after leaving Manchester United last October. He’s out of his job after just three competitive matches. Leverkusen lost 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim in their first Bundesliga game, and as reported by his dismissal followed a poor start that included a two-goal lead blown in a 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, where the team played with ten men for part of the game. A 4-0 win over Grossaspach in the DFB-Pokal wasn’t enough to save Ten Hag. Reports said there was tension between him and important people at the club, with no public support after the Bremen game.

LEVERKUSEN’S CHALLENGES THIS SEASON

The chaotic start follows a summer of big changes. Last year, Xabi Alonso’s team finished 2nd in the Bundesliga. But key players left, including Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Granit Xhaka. Leverkusen spent about €170 million on new players, but they didn’t play well together. They currently sit near the bottom in the Bundesliga, with one point from two games. Fans worry they can’t compete in the Champions League. A report noted Leverkusen finished last season in second, securing Champions League football.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

Leverkusen now look for a new head coach. They need to improve before their next Bundesliga match against Eintracth Frankfurt, who won both their opening matches. The team needs to turn things around to catch up with leaders Bayern Munich and Eintracht. With the Champions League group stage starting soon, the new manager will have to perform quickly in both domestic and European games. The board still aims high, particularly with the prospect of signing players like Sven Botman, as they deal with some uncertainty in defense.