Bayer Leverkusen have made a surprising move by sacking head coach Erik ten Hag just two weeks into the Bundesliga season. The Dutch manager took over this summer, replacing Xabi Alonso, and started off strong with a win in the DFB-Pokal against Grossaspach.
However, things took a turn in the league with a 2-1 loss at home to Hoffenheim followed by a disappointing 3-3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen. The team failed to hold onto a 3-1 lead against Bremen, putting pressure on Ten Hag early on.
This decision comes after Ten Hag was let go by Manchester United last October, making his tenure at Leverkusen short-lived. The club’s managing sporting director, Simon Rolfes, expressed the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the need for a new direction.
Leverkusen underwent significant squad changes this summer, losing key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka. Despite this, they made their 16th signing of the transfer window with the acquisition of Eliesse Ben Seghir for €35m.
The team will now be led by the assistant coaching staff as they look to regroup and move forward in the Bundesliga. Stay tuned for updates on Leverkusen’s next steps in the wake of this managerial change.
