Erik Ten Hag Sacked by Bayer Leverkusen After Just Three Games

Bayer Leverkusen have fired head coach Erik ten Hag after a poor start to the Bundesliga season. Ten Hag lasted only three official matches in charge.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag joined Leverkusen in the summer, replacing Xabi Alonso as manager. He signed a two-year contract with hopes of building on the club’s unbeaten domestic double in 2023/24. However, his tenure was short-lived. After a 4-0 win in the DFB-Pokal over Grossaspach, Leverkusen struggled in the Bundesliga, starting the season with a 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim and then drawing 3-3 with Werder Bremen, blowing a two-goal lead despite playing against 10 men for the final 30 minutes. Poor early results combined with a growing rift with club management led to Leverkusen terminating his contract this morning. Ten Hag has already been informed, and the search for a new head coach is underway.

LEVERKUSEN’S CHALLENGE THIS SEASON

Leverkusen entered the new campaign with high hopes after last season’s historic success under Alonso. The team claimed the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles without defeat before finishing as runner-ups last season. But this season has started badly. With one point from two Bundesliga matches, they are well behind the early league leaders. Their 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim and dramatic draw at Bremen, where they blew a 3-1 lead, has alarmed fans and club officials. Leverkusen’s next match will be crucial as they try to regain ground on those above them.

WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR LEVERKUSEN AND TEN HAG

Leverkusen now face another coaching search at a delicate time in the season. With the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal campaigns just started, they must act fast to steady the ship. Their next match is against Eintracht Frankfurt, who are also aiming for the top of the table and have two wins in two matches, leading the league alongside Bayern Munich. Leverkusen currently trail league leaders Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund by several points. Meanwhile, Ten Hag must consider his next moves after a second high-profile dismissal in under a year, following his departure from Manchester United in October 2024. Leverkusen’s immediate future depends on how quickly they can find a new leader and return to winning ways.