Bayer Leverkusen have parted ways with Erik ten Hag after only three matches, bringing a swift end to the Dutchman’s brief tenure in Germany.
The 55-year-old, appointed in May as Xabi Alonso’s successor, was tasked with leading a post-title rebuild but failed to convince the club’s hierarchy.
Ten Hag’s reign began with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim before a laboured German Cup win over fourth-tier Sonnenhof Großaspach.
Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen, in which Leverkusen squandered a two-goal advantage against ten men and conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, proved the final straw.
“This decision wasn’t easy,” sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted. “But it became clear that building a successful team under this setup was impossible.” CEO Fernando Carro echoed those concerns, describing the early parting as “painful, but necessary.”
The sacking continues a turbulent period for Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United less than a year ago. He becomes the third former United boss to lose his job within a week, following Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s exit from Besiktas and José Mourinho’s departure from Fenerbahce.
Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid legend Raúl González is among the candidates to take over, alongside Edin Terzić and Marco Rose. Leverkusen return from the international break against Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.