Erik ten Hag lasted just over two years in charge at Manchester United, but only lasted two league games at Bayer Leverkusen after tension with the hierarchy over signings and the direction of the club
Erik ten Hag was humiliated by Bayer Leverkusen staff, who claimed he was one of their worst managers in the last 20 years before his shock sacking by the Bundesliga club.
The former Manchester United coach was given just three games in charge of Leverkusen before they decided to swing the axe.
There have been reports Ten Hag had fallen out with the hierarchy amid tension over signings and the direction of the club, with sporting director Simon Rolfes admitting chiefs couldn’t see the relationship working any longer.
Ten Hag had taken over from the successful Xabi Alonso this summer following his departure to Real Madrid but a difficult start to pre-season saw a host of key players sold – including Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, Piero Hincapie and Granit Xhaka.
The Dutchman also accused his players of being unfit, despite presiding over the entire pre-season and had a poor first two Bundesliga games. He lost the first 2-1 at home to Hoffenheim and drew the second 3-3 against ten-man Werder Bremen despite having a two-goal lead.
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A report from Bild has claimed that long-serving members of staff had mocked Ten Hag by debating him among the worst managers in the club’s history. It adds that the former Ajax boss was “in a top ranking for the overall package”.
Such was the ill feeling towards Ten Hag around the club, the report says it could be argued that Leverkusen had “perhaps waited too long” in sacking him. The tell-tale signs against Ten Hag were there early on, it says. The coach had “failed to convey any ideas” to the team and “no one knew what to do” – even when they had been 3-1 up against Werder Bremen.
It adds that his relationships with staff and players were “strained” and “he couldn’t connect with anyone”. There was also surprise when Ten Hag decided not to give a speech ahead of their opening game of the season against Hoffenheim.
There were also clear signs of tensions over transfers after Ten Hag criticised the club for selling so many crucial players and said he would not allow Xhaka to be sold to Sunderland. The Swiss star eventually got his move as Leverkusen ignored his protests. Later, Leverkusen signed Lucas Vazquez from Real Madrid without consulting Ten Hag, who only greeted the player after his contract was already signed.
Rolfes conceded hiring Ten Hag was a mistake but said it would have been an even worse mistake to keep him in charge.
“From the impressions from preseason, from the first games, we had the feeling that we had to do it now,” the former Leverkusen midfielder said. “You can make bad decisions, but if you then believe you’ve reached the point where it can’t work in the future, it’s an even bigger mistake to let it continue.”
Ten Hag had previously hit out at his “unprecedented” sacking, saying in a statement: “A new coach deserves the space to implement his vision, set the standards, shape the squad and leave his mark on the style of play. I started this job with full conviction and energy, but unfortunately the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret.
“The decision by Bayer Leverkusen’s management this morning to put me on a leave of absence came as a complete surprise. To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.”
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