Bayer Leverkusen has parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag after a disappointing start to the season, marking the fastest sacking in Bundesliga history.
Bayer Leverkusen has terminated the contract of Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, after just two league games in charge.
Ten Hag’s tenure was expected to bring significant changes to the team, but the results didn’t follow. Leverkusen lost 2-1 to Hoffenheim in their first league match under Ten Hag and then drew 3-3 against Werder Bremen, conceding two late goals.
The decision to sack Ten Hag was not taken lightly, according to Leverkusen’s managing director, Simon Rolfes. “Nobody wanted to take this step,” Rolfes said. “However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible.” This suggests that the club’s significant squad overhaul this summer, which saw the departure of key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka, contributed to the challenges Ten Hag faced.
Ten Hag’s sacking marks the fastest dismissal in Bundesliga history, surpassing the previous record of five matches. Despite winning their first game in charge, a 4-0 thrashing of fourth-tier side SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach in the German Cup, Leverkusen’s league performances under Ten Hag were underwhelming.
The club’s CEO, Fernando Carro, explained that the decision to part ways with Ten Hag was “painful, but necessary.” Carro emphasized the club’s commitment to achieving its goals and stated that they need the best possible conditions to do so.
Ten Hag becomes the third former Manchester United manager to be sacked in a short span, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Besiktas and Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce.
