Erik ten Hag’s time in Germany is over almost as quickly as it began. Bayer Leverkusen have parted ways with the Dutch coach after only two Bundesliga matches, according to multiple reports (via Fabrizio Romano).
The decision comes after a chaotic start to the season that saw the club collapse late against Werder Bremen, turning what looked like a sure victory into a costly draw.
The 55-year-old arrived in the summer as the man chosen to replace Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid after guiding Leverkusen to an unbeaten double.
Instead of a smooth handover, the transition has been anything but. Leverkusen lost key players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Granit Xhaka in the off-season, leaving Ten Hag with a squad in flux.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Erik ten Hag has just been SACKED by Bayer Leverkusen.
Decision made by the club’s hierarchy this morning and manager informed right now. pic.twitter.com/WjraNnhntA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025
A tough start and a quick exit
Ten Hag’s reign began with a routine cup win, but reality struck in the league. A home defeat to Hoffenheim on opening day raised early questions.
Then came Bremen. Up 3-1 against 10 men with half an hour left, Leverkusen appeared on course for their first win of the campaign.
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Instead, they leaked two late goals to draw 3-3. For a club used to competing at the top, that collapse proved too much.
Reports from Germany suggest the Leverkusen board had already been uneasy. There were whispers of a rift between Ten Hag and the management, and no public backing followed the Bremen game.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Ten Hag was told of the decision, with an official announcement imminent.
German football analyst Ronan Murphy summed it up: “Coaching Bayer Leverkusen should have been the perfect comeback for Erik ten Hag. But instead of rebuilding quietly, he had to manage a squad stripped of its best players. When the results turned bad, the pressure was instant.”
For Ten Hag, it’s another blow to his reputation after his Manchester United exit last year. For Leverkusen, it’s another reminder that even in football’s factory town, patience is no longer produced in bulk.
