- Dutchman was given two league games
- Stunned to be relieved of coaching duties
- Testing time for former Red Devils bosses
The Dutch coach, who was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford in October 2024 having overseen 卡拉寶杯 和 足總盃 triumphs, was handed managerial reins in Leverkusen on July 1.
A two-year contract, which had seen him succeed 皇家馬德里-bound Xabi Alonso, was torn up on September 1. Ten Hag took in just three games at the helm – a German Cup win over minnows SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach, a 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim and a dramatic 3-3 draw with 雲達不萊梅.
His dismissal is the quickest in 德甲聯賽 history, with the previous record standing at five matches. He is the third former 團結的 boss to lose his job in the space of a week, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being ushered through the exits at Beskitas, while Jose Mourinho has severed ties with 費內巴切.
Ten Hag said of his shock dismissal: “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.
“This summer, many key players who were part of past successes left the squad. Building a new, cohesive team is a careful process that requires both time and trust. 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. I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust.
“Throughout my career, every season I have been able to see through to the end as a coach has brought success. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.
“Finally, I would like to thank the 勒沃庫森 supporters for their warmth and passion, and I wish the squad and staff every success for the remainder of the season.”
Leverkusen’s managing director Simon Rolfes said “nobody wanted to take this step” but that “the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible”. The search for a new tactician at the BayArena has now begun.
