Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been relieved of his duties at Bayer Leverkusen after only two Bundesliga matches in charge, with the Dutch coach paying the price for a dramatic collapse against Werder Bremen.
Leverkusen, who had been leading 3-1 against a 10-man Bremen side on Saturday, capitulated late on and were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw, a result that reportedly left the club’s hierarchy furious. The draw followed an underwhelming performance in the season opener, prompting swift action from the club’s board.
Ten Hag was only appointed this summer in what was expected to be a new era for the former German champions. However, his tenure lasted barely a month, making it one of the shortest managerial spells in recent Bundesliga history. The decision underscores Leverkusen’s ambition to remain competitive at the top of German football after narrowly missing out on silverware in recent seasons.
According to Club insiders, Leverkusen chiefs were alarmed by both the defensive fragility shown in Bremen and the lack of cohesion in Ten Hag’s early matches. Surrendering a two-goal advantage against a side reduced to 10 men raised questions about his tactics, game management, and ability to command the dressing room.
The dismissal leaves Ten Hag, once hailed for his success at Ajax and his appointment at Manchester United, without a job less than a year after leaving Old Trafford.
For Leverkusen, attention now turns to finding a replacement capable of steadying the ship quickly as the club looks to challenge in both the Bundesliga and Europe this season.
The search for a new head coach is already underway, with names expected to emerge in the coming days.
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