Erik ten Hag's managerial career has hit another significant roadblock. The Dutch coach has been dramatically sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after a mere 62 days in charge. This stunning decision comes less than a year after his dismissal from Manchester United, raising serious questions about his future. The club confirmed the news on Monday, September 1, 2025, following a disastrous start to the Bundesliga season. Consequently, a tenure that began with promise has ended in a shockingly abrupt fashion.
A Shockingly Short Stint in Germany
Ten Hag was appointed in May 2025 as the successor to the highly-rated Xabi Alonso, who departed for Real Madrid. Hopes were high that he could build on the club's recent success. However, his time at the BayArena was astonishingly brief. After just two league games, the club's management decided a change was necessary.
Bayer Leverkusen's managing director, Simon Rolfes, admitted the decision was difficult. He explained that recent weeks showed that building a successful team under the current setup was not feasible. Similarly, Chief Executive Fernando Carro called the move “painful but necessary” to achieve their goals for the season.
The On-Pitch Struggles
What led to such a swift dismissal? The results speak for themselves. While Ten Hag's reign began positively with a cup victory, their league form was alarming.
- DFB-Pokal Win: A convincing 4-0 victory over fourth-tier side Sonnenhof Grossaspach provided initial optimism.
- Bundesliga Debut Loss: His first league match, and only home game, ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim.
- The Final Straw: The turning point was undoubtedly the 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen. Leverkusen squandered a two-goal lead, conceding two late goals even after Bremen were reduced to ten men.
Following that draw, Ten Hag publicly criticised his players. He stated they were “not ready” and that some were “not at all fit enough to play.” This public critique, combined with the poor result, appears to have sealed his fate.
Déjà Vu: Another Painful Departure
This latest sacking draws immediate parallels to his exit from Manchester United in October 2024. Then, a 2-1 defeat to West Ham led to his dismissal, a decision that reportedly left him “completely devastated.” Manchester United paid a significant sum in compensation to part ways with him and his staff, subsequently appointing Ruben Amorim.
Interestingly, Ten Hag is now the third former Manchester United manager to be dismissed in a single week, following Ole Gunnar Solskjær at Besiktas and José Mourinho at Fenerbahce. It highlights a turbulent period for coaches associated with the Old Trafford club.
What's Next for Ten Hag?
Being dismissed from two major European clubs in less than twelve months is a major blow to any manager's reputation. Ten Hag, who had signed a two-year contract with Leverkusen, now faces an uncertain future. For Bayer Leverkusen, the search for a new manager begins immediately as they look to get their season back on.The pressure is on to find a stable replacement who can deliver the results the board and fans demand.
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