Erik Ten Hag expressed his shock to the decision of Bayer Leverkusen about his release after just two Bundesliga matches and criticized the club hierarchy for not showing him the confidence needed to build a new team.
Leverkusen lost his introductory league accessories 2-1 at home to TSG Hoffenheim before throwing 3-1 leadership on Saturday to draw 3-3 against the 10-man Werder Bremen, which caused a sudden departure of a 55-year-old Dutchman on Monday.
Ten Hag, replaced by Xabi Alonso in May on a two -year contract after the Spaniard went to Real Madrid, said, “Bayer Leverkusen’s leadership decision to come as a complete surprise. To divide with a coach after only two league matches.”
The Dutch’s term of office, which lasts only 62 days, saw him to win only one competing pear-German cup to bind against the fourth division, which promotes him the nickname “Erik ten weeks” from critics.
While the early results were disappointing, ten hag suggested that they are not the only reason for its release. His decisions and behavior reportedly caused friction in the club. During the Leverkusen training camp in Brazil, he dredged friendly against the Flamengo team under 20 years, resulting in a 5-1 defeat. He also publicly opposed the sale of the middle field leader Granit Xhak and warned that the group has already lost too many key players.
“Building a new cohesive team is a careful process that takes time and trust,” said ten Hag. “I started this job with full beliefs and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to provide the time and confidence I needed, which I regret deeply. I feel that it has never been a relationship based on mutual trust.”
Ten Hag, who was out of administration since his ejection Manchester United in October last year, enjoyed his most successful charm in Ajax Amsterdam from 2018 to 2022, won three Eredivisie titles and in 2019 he reached the Champions League semifinals.
“The clubs that trust me were rewarded with success and silver,” he added.
Leverkusen’s Summer Exodus Star-Including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Stroke, Granit Xhaka and Amine Adli made ten hag’s tasks to build on Alonso’s Bundesliga and the German Cup. His release after less than nine weeks in charge is now considered one of the most surprising managerial exits in recent European football.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
September 2, 2025
