The new Bundesliga season has only seen two rounds of matches so far. Yet, former champions Bayer Leverkusen have already made headlines by dismissing Dutch coach Erik ten Hag due to the team’s failure to secure a victory.
The ex-Manchester United manager lasted only 62 days before being relieved of his duties.
Two Winless Matches Trigger Boardroom Decision
According to media reports, Leverkusen’s management decided on Monday morning and immediately informed Ten Hag. Sky Germany noted that Ten Hag left the training ground after the management’s decision was finalised. This led to the postponement of the team’s scheduled morning session.
In its official statement, the club announced that the assistant coaching staff will temporarily oversee the first team’s training until a new head coach is appointed.
Sacked Twice in Less Than a Year
Back in October last year, Manchester United dismissed Ten Hag mid-season. After guiding Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 campaign, Xabi Alonso left this summer to take charge of Real Madrid.
As a result, Leverkusen turned to Ten Hag to fill the void left by Alonso.
Weakened Squad, Poor Results
However, the club’s squad was significantly weakened in the summer transfer window as several key players departed, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Exequiel Palacios, and Amine Adli. Despite bringing in several strong reinforcements, the team’s overall strength declined.
In the new Bundesliga season, Ten Hag’s Leverkusen failed to claim a win. In the opening round at home, they scored first but eventually lost 2-1 to Hoffenheim.
In the second round away against Werder Bremen, Leverkusen once again looked in control, leading 3-1 and enjoying a numerical advantage. However, they squandered their lead and were held to a 3-3 draw.
After two rounds, their record stood at one draw and one defeat. The only bright spot came in the first round of the German Cup, where they secured a 4-0 win against a fourth-division side.
Ten Hag Responds: “I Am Not Harry Potter”
Following the winless run, Ten Hag told the media that he was “not Harry Potter,” implying that he could not magically deliver immediate change for the team.
Fastest Sacking in Bundesliga History
Ten Hag signed with Leverkusen on May 26 and officially took charge on July 1. But after only 62 days, his tenure was cut short, making him the fastest coach to be dismissed in Bundesliga history. The previous record had stood at four league games.
Ten Hag’s Coaching Background
Born on February 2, 1970, Ten Hag has previously managed Bayern Munich II, Dutch giants Ajax, and Manchester United. During his tenure at United from July 2022 to October 2024, he led the team to one FA Cup title and one League Cup triumph.
