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The reasons behind Erik ten Hag’s extraordinary sacking after just two league matches with Bayer Leverkusen have come to light.
The former Man United boss was astounded to be given his marching orders by the club only three games into his tenure, reacting with a powerful statement calling the move ‘unprecedented’.
Leverkusen were held to a 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen at the weekend, squandering a two-goal lead against 10 men and conceding a 94th-minute equaliser.
Club bosses wielded the axe, dismissing the manager.
According to the Athletic, there was already a disconnect between Leverkusen’s players and their new boss.
They report that the group, stripped of many of the stars who led them to an incredible Bundesliga and German Cup double two years ago, reacted badly to the change in training and communication compared to Xabi Alonso.
The connection between Erik ten Hag and his squad deteriorated and he was sacked
Leverkusen threw away a lead against Werder Bremen in his final game in charge
The disharmony dates right back to pre-season and has built over recent weeks.
After the game against Bremen, Ten Hag savaged the team in the dressing room, telling them they played like ‘boys, not men’ and should be ’embarrassed’.
Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rofles said: ‘Nobody wanted to take this step, however, the past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this setup is not feasible.
‘We simply had the feeling that things were going in the wrong direction. Before we arrive at that wrong destination, we decided to make the decision now — during the international break, at an early stage.’
Ten Hag took charge of just one home game, a 2-1 defeat by Hoffenheim in their opening league fixture. A week earlier, Ten Hag’s side beat fourth-tier opponents Sonnenhof Grossaspach 4-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal before the Bremen disappointment.
Issuing a response to his stunning dismissal via the SEG agency, Ten Hag did not pull his punches.
His bombshell statement read: ‘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.
Ten Hag replaced Xabi Alonso but the players did not take to the change in methodology
‘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.
‘Finally, I would like to thank the Bayer Leverkusen supporters for their warmth and passion, and I wish the squad and staff success for the remainder of the season.’
The former Man United and Ajax manager was bullish in his criticism of his own players on Saturday prior to being sacked, telling TV reporters: ‘We have a new team and some of the players aren’t at all fit enough to play.
‘The team didn’t function at all during the final stage of the game. That’s just the way it is. They need to bring more intensity and get fitter in order to meet my standards.’
The former Man United boss released a statement after his sacking that pulled no punches
But the decision feels particularly harsh in light of the sweeping changes at the club this summer.
Stars including Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, who joined Liverpool as well as captain Granit Xhaka, all left. Jonathan Tah and Lukas Hradecky also departed.
Leverkusen had been Ten Hag’s first job since being dismissed by Manchester United last October.
He became the third former United manager to be sacked in the space of a week, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Besiktas and Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce.
