Bayer Leverkusen Terminates Erik ten Hag’s Contract
In a surprising move, Bayer Leverkusen has terminated Erik ten Hag’s contract after just a trio of matches in the current season. Having taken over the managerial reins from Xabi Alonso in May, Ten Hag was expected to lead the team through its next chapter after the successful tenure of his predecessor, who had guided the club to a Bundesliga title in 2024.
Unfortunately, the start of the 2025-26 season has been bleak for the German side. They kicked off their campaign with a defeat against TSG Hoffenheim and followed it up with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen, where they squandered a two-goal advantage. Although Leverkusen managed a victory in the DFB-Pokal against SG Sonnenhof, the optimism surrounding Ten Hag quickly dissipated after that match on August 15.
Management’s Decision and Squad Changes
The decision to let go of the former Manchester United manager was reached by the club’s shareholders’ committee, reflecting recommendations from Bayer’s management. This managerial change comes amidst a significant summer reshuffle at Leverkusen, where several key players from their championship-winning squad departed, including Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Granit Xhaka.
To counter the squad depletion, Leverkusen invested around €170 million (approximately $199.31 million) to sign new talent, adding players like Malik Tillman and Loïc Badé to their ranks.
Statements from Club Officials
Simon Rolfes, the managing director for sport at Bayer, expressed the difficulty of the decision, stating,
“This choice was not made lightly, but it has become evident that the current setup isn’t conducive to building a successful team. We have confidence in our players and will strive to realign our development with a fresh approach.”
Under Ten Hag, the team’s shift from an attacking style to a more conservative approach failed to resonate with the players, igniting frustrations among the squad. This was highlighted by captain Robert Andrich after the draw against Bremen, who lamented,
“It felt like everyone was running independently on the pitch, lost in their own world, and that lack of cohesion illustrates our current predicament.”
Bayer CEO Fernando Carro acknowledged the painful nature of the early-season change and reiterated the club’s commitment to their season objectives, emphasizing that optimal conditions within the team are essential for their ambitions. The quest for Leverkusen to regain their competitive edge continues with a managerial overhaul amidst challenging circumstances.
