Bayer Leverkusen have sacked Erik ten Hag after just three games in charge of the German club.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on Monday, posting on X, “Erik ten Hag has just been sacked by Bayer Leverkusen. A decision was made by the club’s hierarchy this morning, and the manager was informed right now.”
Ten Hag, who was appointed in July to replace club legend Xabi Alonso, had been under pressure after a poor start to the Bundesliga season. Leverkusen lost 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim in their opening match and then threw away a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen over the weekend.
The Dutchman, who previously managed Manchester United before being dismissed in October 2024, had started his Leverkusen tenure with a 4-0 German Cup win over fourth-tier Sonnenhof Grossaspach. But his team’s shaky league form, coupled with a disappointing pre-season, led to growing doubts among the club’s board.
In a brief statement, the club said, “Bayer Leverkusen 04 have relieved head coach Erik ten Hag of his duties with immediate effect. The assistant coaching staff will take temporary charge of training.”
Reports from German outlets Bild and Kicker suggested tension had been building between Ten Hag and the management after the Bremen draw. Leverkusen’s managing director, Simon Rolfes, had refused to publicly back the manager on Sunday, signaling the end was near.
The 54-year-old was tasked with rebuilding the squad and integrating more than a dozen new signings this season, including several young talents, but failed to deliver results.
Ten Hag’s time at Leverkusen lasted less than two months, a sharp contrast to the optimism surrounding his arrival after Alonso led the club to an unbeaten domestic double in the 2023/24 season.
