Bayer Leverkusen Dismiss Erik ten Hag After Just Three Matches

Bayer Leverkusen has parted ways with head coach Erik ten Hag only weeks into the 2025–26 season, ending one of the shortest managerial spells in Bundesliga history.

Ten Hag, appointed in late May and officially beginning his role on July 1, oversaw three competitive matches. The team opened with a routine cup victory but followed with a 2–1 home defeat to Hoffenheim and a 3–3 draw against Werder Bremen, where Leverkusen failed to hold a two-goal lead despite facing a depleted opponent.

Reports indicate the draw in Bremen deepened concerns within the club, highlighting on-field disputes, missed penalties, and questions about team fitness and cohesion. With several key players having left during the summer, management judged that the squad’s direction under ten Hag was unlikely to meet expectations.

Leverkusen’s sporting leadership described the decision as difficult but necessary to protect the club’s competitive ambitions. For now, interim responsibility will be handled by the existing coaching staff while the search for a permanent successor is underway.

Ten Hag’s exit marks a turbulent moment for a club that had only recently celebrated domestic success under former coach Xabi Alonso.

Sources: Daily Sabah, Goal, Yahoo Sports, The Guardian, TalkSport, The Times, ESPN