Ten Hag’s fiery backlash at Bayer Leverkusen sparks controversy just weeks into the season.

Erik ten Hag’s sudden exit from Bayer Leverkusen has raised eyebrows far and wide — calling it “unprecedented” barely scratches the surface of the shockwaves sent through the football world. Imagine stepping into a new gig with big ambitions, only to be shown the door after a mere three matches. That’s exactly what happened to the former Manchester United manager, who inked a two-year deal over the summer to take over from Xabi Alonso, shortly before Alonso departed for the lure of Real Madrid. Leverkusen’s rapid decision to cut ties followed a rollercoaster start: a commanding 4-0 DFB-Pokal victory shadowed by a league loss and a crushing draw where a two-goal lead slipped through their fingers. Ten Hag broke his silence via his agency, making it crystal clear — he never got the trust or the runway he felt every coach deserves to build a team and mold a playing style. And when you consider the summer’s talent drain — with stars like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and captain Granit Xhaka moving on — the rebuilding task was always going to be monumental. Ten Hag’s frustrations echo loudly, especially after his recent Manchester United stint, where silverware came but his tenure didn’t last. His message to the Leverkusen faithful was heartfelt, but it also underlined a bitter truth: sometimes partnerships crumble before they even really start. Curious to dive deeper? LEARN MORE

Erik ten Hag has described his dismissal from Bayer Leverkusen as “unprecedented” and claimed he was “never” given the trust he needed after being sacked just three games into his tenure.

The former Manchester United boss signed a two-year deal in the summer to succeed Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid.

But Leverkusen’s management decided to act swiftly after a mixed start – a 4-0 DFB-Pokal win, a 2-1 league defeat to Hoffenheim, and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen in which they surrendered a two-goal lead.

In a statement via his agency SEG Football, Ten Hag expressed frustration at the decision: “To part ways with a coach after just two league matches is unprecedented.

“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. Unfortunately, the management was not willing to grant me the time and trust I needed, which I deeply regret.”

Leverkusen lost key players in the summer – Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz departed for Liverpool, while captain Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland – leaving Ten Hag with the task of rebuilding.

The Dutchman had previously been dismissed by Manchester United in October 2024, despite winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024.

Ten Hag thanked Leverkusen’s supporters in his statement, but concluded: “I feel this was never a relationship based on mutual trust. Clubs that placed their trust in me have been rewarded with success and silverware.”