Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed shock after being sacked by German club Bayer Leverkusen, just two months into the job.
Ten Hag, who joined Leverkusen on July 1, 2025, was given a two-year contract to replace Xabi Alonso, who left for Real Madrid. However, his contract was terminated on September 1 after only three matches in charge.
The Dutch coach managed one German Cup win against SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach, a 2-1 league defeat to Hoffenheim, and a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen. His dismissal after just two league games is the quickest managerial exit in Bundesliga history, breaking the previous record of five matches.
Ten Hag now becomes the third former Manchester United manager to lose a job within a week, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit from Besiktas and Jose Mourinho’s departure from Fenerbahce.
Speaking after his sacking, Ten Hag said he was caught off guard by the decision:
“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. Unfortunately, the management was not willing to grant me the time I needed, which I deeply regret.”
Ten Hag added that throughout his career, clubs that trusted his long-term process were rewarded with “success and silverware,” while thanking Leverkusen fans for their support.
Leverkusen’s managing director Simon Rolfes said the decision was difficult but necessary.
“Nobody wanted to take this step, but the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible,” he explained.
The Bundesliga side has now started the search for a new manager to take charge of the season.
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