Bayer Leverkusen Sack Former Man United Coach Erik ten Hag
- Bayer Leverkusen have terminated the contract of Dutch manager Erik ten Hag after two games in the 2025/26 Bundesliga
- Ten Hag has become the third Manchester United manager to be sacked in one month after Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
- The 55-year-old was unveiled as the manager of Leverkusen in May 2025 following the departure of Xabi Alonso
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Erik ten Hag has been relieved of his duties as the manager of Bayer Leverkusen after a poor start in the 2025/26 Bundesliga.
The decision comes in the wake of Leverkusen’s 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, despite a red card in the 63rd minute for the latter.
Source: Getty Images
The 56-year-old kicked off his campaign with a 2-1 loss against Hoffenheim in the opening game.
During their pre-season, Die Werkself were beaten 5-0 by Flamengo's U20s before beating fourth-tier side Grossaspach in another friendly.
The Dutch coach took over from Xabi Alonso, who led the club to an unbeaten domestic double in 2023/24 and a UEFA Europa League final spot.
Who decided to sack Ten Hag?
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the club’s hierarchy informed Erik ten Hag of his sack on Monday morning, September 1st.
The management added that the assistant coaching staff will temporarily take over training duties, per The Sun. The club via their X handle wrote:
"Bayer 04 Leverkusen has parted ways with head coach Erik ten Hag with immediate effect.
"Training will be taken over by the assistant coaching staff for the time being."
Simon Rolfes, managing director of sport, said:
“This decision was not an easy one for us. Nobody wanted to take this step. However, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this setup is not feasible.
Fans react
@the_Lawrenz said:
"Manchester United destroyed this man’s career 💔💔."
@AnfieldSector wrote:
"This is incredible, not the best manager but they've sold all their best players and signed a load of youngsters, sacked after two games is incredibly naive IMO, board deflecting on their own mishaps."
@47kasz added:
"He ruined us with his signings. I can never wish him well."
@LifeOfNapaul said:
"After just 2 games?????"
@verybizzy_ wrote:
"Ole sacked, mourinho sacked, now ten hag sacked.
"What Man united does to a person 🤣."
Source: Getty Images
When was Ten Hag appointed?
Former Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag was appointed on May 26, 2025, by the German club.
According to BBC, the 56-year-old signed a contract that ought to run till June 2027 (two-year deal).
The former Manchester United manager took over a team that finished second behind Bayern Munich in the 2024/25 Bundesliga and reached the semifinals of the German Cup.
During his unveiling ceremony, Erik ten Hag described Leverkusen as one of the best clubs in Germany. He said:
"Bayer Leverkusen is currently one of the best clubs in the Bundesliga and also belongs to the expanded European elite.
"The club offers excellent conditions and the discussion with the officials have impressed me greatly."
Ten Hag eyes managerial comeback
Legit.ng earlier reported that Erik ten Hag is still one of the world's most-wanted managers despite his struggles at Manchester United.
The Dutchman was fired from his role at Old Trafford after a terrible start to the 2024/25 campaign that crumbled any chance of the Red Devils clinching the Premier League title this season.
More details later...
Source: Legit.ng
