Ten Hag calls Leverkusen exit “unprecedented” after record two-game spell

Erik ten Hag says Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to dismiss him after only two Bundesliga matches “came as a complete surprise” and reflected a lack of trust from the club’s hierarchy, Sport360NG reports.

The 55-year-old Dutch coach, who was appointed in May following Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid, signed a two-year deal but was relieved of his duties on Sunday after just three competitive games in charge.

Leverkusen have taken one point from their opening two league fixtures, surrendering leads in both, a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim followed by a 3-3 draw with 10-man Werder Bremen on Saturday. Ten Hag’s debut was a 4-0 German Cup victory over fourth-tier Sonnenhof Grossaspach.

His departure marks the fastest managerial sacking in Bundesliga history, beating the previous record of five ga
mes.

Ten Hag: “Never a relationship based on trust”

In a strongly worded statement, Ten Hag criticised the club’s leadership for failing to back his long-term project.

“The decision this morning came as a complete shock. To part company after just two league matches is unprecedented,” he said.

“This summer we lost many players who had delivered success in the past. Rebuilding a squad and developing a new identity requires patience, trust and the freedom for a coach to implement his vision. Unfortunately, that space was never given. I feel this was never a relationship built on mutual trust.”

Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United last October after two-and-a-half years in charge, added that every club which had supported him previously had been “rewarded with success and silverware.”

Leverkusen defend “painful” decision

Club officials admitted the decision was difficult but insisted it was necessary.

“Over the past few weeks it became clear that building a new and competitive team in this structure was not feasible,” said sporting director Simon Rolfes.

CEO Fernando Carro added: “A separation at this stage of the season is painful, but we believed it was essential. Our objectives remain unchanged and to achieve them we must ensure the best possible conditions across the first team.”

For now, Leverkusen’s assistant coaches will oversee training, with no successor immediately named.

Summer overhaul adds to instability

Ten Hag had been tasked with integrating more than a dozen new signings following the exits of several key performers from last season’s squad.

Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong both joined Liverpool in deals worth over £145m combined, while Granit Xhaka left for Sunderland. Jonathan Tah departed for Bayern Munich, Amine Adli signed with Bournemouth, and long-serving goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky moved to Monaco.

Meanwhile, the club invested heavily in replacements, spending more than £88m on Malik Tillman, Jarell Quansah and Eliesse Ben Seghir.

A week of sackings for ex-United bosses

Ten Hag is the third former Manchester United manager to lose his job in the space of a week. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed by Besiktas on Thursday, while Jose Mourinho parted ways with Fenerbahce a day later.

Leverkusen, runners-up in last year’s Bundesliga and now competing in the Champions League, face Manchester City on 25 November before meeting Newcastle United on 10 December.