Bayer Leverkusen have sacked Dutch manager Erik Ten Hag after just two Bundesliga games in charge, the club confirmed on Monday.
Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024, joined Leverkusen in July as successor to Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid.
However, his short spell at the BayArena ended abruptly after a poor start to the season.
Advertisement
Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted the decision was tough but necessary. “This decision was not easy for us. Nobody wanted to take this step,” he said.
“The past few weeks have shown that the steps to build a new and successful team have not been effective.”
Club CEO Fernando Carro also commented, describing the sacking as “painful, but necessary.”
The 55-year-old becomes the fastest manager to be dismissed in Bundesliga history, breaking the previous record of five games.
Leverkusen had high expectations after an unbeaten league and cup double in 2023-24, but the summer saw the departure of key players including Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, and Jeremie Frimpong.
Ten Hag was tasked with integrating more than a dozen new signings, including the club’s three most expensive acquisitions Malik Tilmann, Jarell Quansah, and Eliesse Ben Seghir — costing a combined €102 million.
“The results have not reflected the work we put in behind the scenes,” Rolfes added. “We need to act decisively to protect the future of the club.”
Ten Hag’s first two Bundesliga matches included a 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen, despite leading by two goals in the latter.
“The team showed effort, but results matter, and we must prioritize performance,” Carro noted.
Assistant coaches will take over training while the club seeks a permanent replacement.
