Leverkusen fired Ten Hag: record dismissal after just two games!

Leverkusen fired Ten Hag: record dismissal after just two games!

Erik ten Hag is no longer coach of Bayer Leverkusen. The decision came after just two Bundesliga games and is considered the earliest dismissal of a coach in the entire Bundesliga history. Those responsible at Leverkusen are aware that this step is rather unusual; as a rule, coaches have to wait at least five games before they have to make room. Only once in the past was a coach fired before the start of the season, when Jörn Andersen had to pack his bags in 2009, reports Deutschlandfunk.

Ten Hag, who was hired in the summer of 2023 as the successor to successful coach Xabi Alonso, was unable to convince in his first two games. A 2-1 defeat in the opening home game against Hoffenheim was followed by a 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, where a 3-1 lead was carelessly squandered. These results caused rumors about a possible replacement before the last game, which have now been confirmed. Sports director Simon Rolfes said that the decision was not easy, but that they had to act early because the course was not right DW reported.

Temporary solutions and the search for a successor

The assistant coaching staff will oversee the team for the time being while the search for a new coach has already begun. Names like Xavi Hernandez and Raul Gonzalez Blanco are considered possible successors. It remains to be seen who those responsible will ultimately sign. Cesc Fabregas, on the other hand, is staying in Italy at Como 1907, while Imanol Alguacil, the former coach of Real Sociedad, is also being discussed as a candidate.

Ten Hag's sacking comes at a critical time, particularly after Bayer Leverkusen went through significant upheaval with many players from the 2024 champion team leaving the club. Rolfes emphasizes that in these difficult times it is important to have confidence in the quality of the current team and the developments in the new constellation. How those responsible plan the restart will become clear in the coming weeks.

An unexpected upheaval that urgently needs new impulses. Bayer Leverkusen now faces the challenge of finding the right man for the future. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, there will be great hope that a new strategy will prove to be the right one. Leverkusen must get back on the road to success as quickly as possible, not only for the fans, but also for their own demanding mentality, which is very important after the 2024 championship. The next decisions will be crucial to turning things around.