Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen after just two league games in charge, following Saturday’s dramatic 3-3 draw with ten-man Werder Bremen.
The Dutchman, appointed only 62 days ago as Xabi Alonso’s successor, saw his side throw away a two-goal lead in Bremen, having also lost his Bundesliga opener to Hoffenheim, the result left his position untenable in the eyes of Leverkusen’s hierarchy.
Club statement
Leverkusen in an official statement confirmed the decision on Monday:
“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.”
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Ten Hag was informed of his dismissal on Monday morning, which delayed the day’s training session.
Background
Ten Hag had started positively with a 4-0 win in the DFB-Pokal first round, but back-to-back Bundesliga setbacks proved decisive.
His task was further complicated by a summer exodus that saw five key figures from last season’s title-winning squad depart, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Lukas Hradecky and Jonathan Tah.
What’s next?
Leverkusen will use the international break to appoint a permanent successor before resuming their Bundesliga campaign at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.