Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that Erik ten Hag has been relieved of his duties as manager following a decision made at the highest level of the club’s hierarchy. The Dutchman, who only took charge at the beginning of the season and oversaw the team’s pre-season and three games into the league has been informed that his tenure is over in just two months of being in charge.
According to reports from inside the club, the board met over the weekend to discuss the direction of the team and whether Ten Hag remained the right figure to take Leverkusen forward. The outcome of those discussions was clear and decisive, with the hierarchy concluding that a change was necessary to restore stability and confidence within the squad.
Ten Hag’s time in Leverkusen was always going to be scrutinized heavily given his reputation and the expectations surrounding him. Despite moments of promise, his spell was marked by inconsistent results and a struggle to fully implement his tactical ideas in the Bundesliga. Questions had been raised by fans and pundits about the balance of the team and the inability to string together a strong run of performances in both domestic and European competitions.
The decision to part ways has not come lightly, with the club hierarchy recognizing Ten Hag’s commitment and work ethic. However, the overall feeling was that progress had stalled and decisive action was needed to avoid further decline. Informed earlier today, Ten Hag is understood to have accepted the decision with professionalism, though naturally disappointed by the abrupt ending of his project in Germany.
Attention now turns to who will succeed him in the BayArena dugout. Early speculation links Leverkusen with several candidates, including high-profile Bundesliga coaches and a few international names who may be seen as suitable to steady the club and re-energize the squad. For now, an interim coach is expected to be announced in the coming days as Leverkusen prepare for their next round of fixtures.