Erik ten Hag’s reign as Bayer Leverkusen manager began in disastrous fashion with a defeat on the opening day of the Bundesliga season.
Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United last October after managing just three wins from their opening nine matches of the season.
The Dutchman was appointed by Leverkusen in May as the successor to Xabi Alonso, who left to take charge at Real Madrid. They’re big boots to fill – Alonso led them to an unbeaten domestic double in the 2023-24 season.
Star player Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Granit Xhaka are among more than half a dozen key players who left in the summer.
Ten Hag’s first competitive outing turned into a day to forget as Leverkusen slumped to a 2-1 home defeat against Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim hit the post through Tim Lemperle after two minutes but Leverkusen scored first when Jarell Quansah headed in for a sixth-minute lead.
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Erik ten Hag’s reign as Bayer Leverkusen manager began with a home loss to Hoffenheim
Leverkusen had taken the lead at home but the visitors mounted a comeback
Jarell Quansah dedicated his Bundesliga debut goal to the late Diogo Jota
The defender then paid tribute to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota by mimicking his trademark celebration.
Fisnik Asllani, however, bagged a 25th-minute equaliser after beating keeper Mark Flekken.
And things got worse for the hosts seven minutes after the restart when Lemperle drilled in a low shot from 22 metres seven minutes after the break.
Leverkusen did not get a look-in for much of the second half until Nathan Tella fired into the side netting.
‘Clearly, I’m disappointed,’ said Ten Hag. ‘It was a game of few chances and Hoffenheim were more effective.
We did not get into the final third of the pitch often enough. Twice we did not pay attention and we conceded a goal.
‘We have a lot of work ahead of us which is not unexpected. From my experience it may take some time. But we need to remain calm and keep working.’
