Erik ten Hag Sacked by Bayer Leverkusen After Just Two Matches

Erik ten Hag has been fired by Bayer Leverkusen after only two Bundesliga games. The club made the decision official on Monday. Ten Hag had joined the German side in July, replacing Xabi Alonso.

Leverkusen’s leadership said the decision was difficult but necessary. Ten Hag’s early results failed to meet expectations. The Dutch coach now holds a record for the fastest sacking in Bundesliga history.

Ten Hag’s Short Spell Ends in Disappointment

Ten Hag’s reign lasted less than two months. His time began with a 5-1 loss to Flamengo’s U-20 team in a preseason friendly. That was followed by a win in the German Cup, but league form was poor.

Leverkusen managed only one point from their first two Bundesliga games. A 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen sealed his fate. The team had led both matches but failed to hold on.

Club director Simon Rolfes and CEO Fernando Carro said the rebuild was not working. The squad had changed drastically this summer. Key players left, and over a dozen new signings arrived.

Why the Ten Hag Era Failed So Quickly

Ten Hag joined Leverkusen after being fired by Manchester United in 2024. At United, he won the FA and League Cups but lost form in his final season. He was let go after just one win in eight matches.

At Leverkusen, he replaced a manager who had just led the club to a historic double. Alonso’s unbeaten 2023–24 season set a high bar. Ten Hag inherited a team in transition.

Key stars like Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, and Jeremie Frimpong left in the summer. The club also signed young talents for over €100 million. The pressure to perform with a new squad was intense.

With results not coming, the club felt it had to act fast. The coaching staff will now handle training while Leverkusen searches for a new manager.

Erik ten Hag’s time at Bayer Leverkusen is over. His brief spell ends in record time.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Why was Erik ten Hag sacked so quickly?

He failed to win in his first two Bundesliga matches. The team also collapsed late in both games.

Q2: When did Ten Hag join Bayer Leverkusen?

He was appointed on July 1, 2025, replacing Xabi Alonso.

Q3: What was Ten Hag’s record at Manchester United?

He won the FA and League Cups but was sacked in October 2024 after poor results.

Q4: Who will replace Ten Hag at Leverkusen?

The club has not named a new head coach yet. Assistant staff will manage the team for now.

Q5: What players did Leverkusen lose this summer?

Key exits included Wirtz, Xhaka, Tah, Frimpong, Adli, and Hradecky.