Erik Ten Hag’s tenure as Bayer Leverkusen head coach has ended abruptly, with the Dutch manager being sacked after only two Bundesliga games in the 2025-26 season. This quick dismissal marks one of the shortest managerial reigns in Bundesliga history and highlights the intense pressure on football clubs to deliver immediate results in competitive leagues.
Background and Appointment
Erik Ten Hag was appointed Bayer Leverkusen head coach in summer 2025, taking over from Xabi Alonso, who had left after securing an unbeaten domestic double in the previous season. Ten Hag signed a two-year contract with the club, arriving with a strong reputation, notably after his successes with Ajax and Manchester United. Leverkusen hoped he would guide the team through a period of significant transition following key player departures.
Season Start and Poor Results
Ten Hag’s short spell was marred by poor results and disappointing performances:
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The season began with a strong 4-0 victory in the DFB Cup against Sonnenhof Großaspach.
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However, the Bundesliga campaign started badly with a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim.
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The defining moment was a 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, where Leverkusen squandered a two-goal lead despite Bremen having a player sent off, showcasing defensive frailties and a loss of team cohesion.
This draw, coming after suffering an opening day loss, triggered concerns over Ten Hag’s ability to effectively manage the squad and implement his style.
Reasons for Dismissal
The club cited several reasons for the dismissal:
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Inability to build a cohesive and successful team in the current squad setup.
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Tactical challenges and poor match management.
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Growing concerns among management and players regarding leadership and direction.
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A summer of upheaval with important players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, and others sold off, with many new signings still integrating.
Leverkusen’s managing director for sport, Simon Rolfes, acknowledged the difficult decision, saying the results and team dynamics left the club no choice but to act swiftly. CEO Fernando Carro described the separation as painful but necessary to create the best conditions for success.
Interim Coaching and Future Plans
Following Ten Hag’s departure, assistant coaches Rog Meij and And Ulderink have taken temporary charge while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Leverkusen intends to stabilize the team and regroup after the international break before resuming league games.
Ten Hag’s Recent Managerial Record
| Team | Period | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen | Jul 2025–Sept 2025 | 3* | 1 | 1 | 1 | 33.33% |
| *Note: Includes two Bundesliga matches and one cup match. |
This record reflects the challenging transition and underscores the pressure placed on results even in early season stages.
Summary
Erik Ten Hag’s sacking after just two Bundesliga games is a stark reminder of football’s high-stakes environment. Despite a promising start in the German Cup, the league performances clearly fell short of Leverkusen’s expectations. A combination of squad upheaval, tactical struggles, and failure to secure positive results led to a swift managerial change. As the club moves forward, it faces the task of finding new leadership to harness the potential of a rebuilding squad and meet high ambitions for the season.
This episode also reflects broader trends of managerial instability in elite football, where patience is scarce and immediate success is demanded. Leverkusen’s decision might seem harsh, but in such a competitive context, clubs often act decisively to avoid a negative spiral early in the campaign.